The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on one of the harrowing race circuits in the world, as automobiles, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from around the globe race to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
And while Honda has always focused its efforts on getting to the top of the mountain before everyone else, this year the company has taken a groundbreaking step toward making the 92nd running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as safe as possible.
Honda has worked with the American Motorcyclist Association to introduce the use of AirFence Provided by RoadRacing World Action Fund technology at several key corners of the race course. The use of the innovative safety fencing marks the first time that a Pikes Peak competitor has worked with a sanctioning body to improve overall safety at the event.
“Honda is proud to have worked with the AMA and event organizers to increase safety for the competitors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Senior Vice President and General Manager of Honda Division, Jeff Conrad. “Honda has a long and successful history at Pikes Peak, and helping to increase the safety on the race course allows our drivers and riders to focus on getting to the top of the mountain as quickly as possible!”
AirFence consists of a system of connected air-filled bladders, serving as a soft wall safety barrier to protect motorcycle racers from direct contact with solid objects. The RoadRacing World Action Fund, an organization dedicated to improving the safety for motorcycle racing, has provided this technology to circuits across North America through an on-going research and fund raising program.
Making the course safer will, of course, allow competitors to run faster, which is something Honda is more than accustomed to at Pikes Peak. Honda-powered vehicles have taken at least one class victory at the legendary event in each of the last 12 years, and have captured 44 wins overall.
Looking to extend that streak, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda Performance Development (HPD) and Honda R&D have joined forces to field six vehicles for Honda associates in this year’s race. In addition, Honda is providing power for 2013 overall runner-up Romain Dumas’ Norma M20 ‘RD Limited’ in his chase for the overall title.
The cooperative effort between Honda companies will see Honda associates racing a diverse lineup of vehicles in the event, ranging from the Fit EV to a first-generation NSX, along with a Honda CBR600RR motorcycle and a Honda TRX450 All-Terrain Vehicle.
Ten other competitors will compete on Honda motorcycles in the event’s various classes, riding Honda 250, 450, 600 and 1000cc machines.
Extending its event support beyond the race track, Honda returns as the Partnering Sponsor for the 2014 event, Honda Power Sports will be the official ATV/UTV of the event and Honda Power Equipment will provide electricity and light to the pits and staging areas, through the use of Honda generators.
via Honda
