Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 23rd June 2017– Premium tyre maker Hankook sponsors racing champion Rhys Millen at the 2017 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 25th in Pikes Peak, Colorado. One year after a record-breaking run at the Broadmoor PPIHC, the New Zealander will aim for return glory in a car with a rich legacy of its own.
Millen and his RMR team will compete in the 101st running of the “Race to the Clouds” in a modified version of the car that set the Time Attack record in 2012. Millen will chase his record with the help of Hankook Ventus Race Competition tyres of type F200, designed exclusively for this event.
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb boasts a rich heritage. Founded in 1916, the Race to the Clouds rambles up a 12.4-mile course to the summit of Pikes Peak, the top tourist destination in Colorado. Climbers wind their way through 156 turns and ascend 4,720 feet to the mountain’s summit. “Pikes Peak is one of the most mentally challenging events that any driver can take on,” Millen said. “You put everything on the line not knowing what is around the next corner. Fortunately, we have the perfect tyre that will react to Pikes Peak’s changing conditions.”
The specially crafted Hankook tires will play a key role in Millen’s potential success, according to the internationally heralded New Zealand native. “You have to have a sponsor and a group of engineers willing to push the envelope of tyre construction to formulate the right balance to function specifically in that environment,” said Millen. “We’ve always been very successful at finding that balance, and I feel that we’ve absolutely nailed the compound for this event.”
Millen is no stranger to success at Pikes Peak. Last year, he broke the world record for the Electric Modified class.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Rhys for another year at Pikes Peak,” said Hankook Tire America Motorsports Manager J. David Rich. “His past success proves that we have the best driver and the best tire on the grid. Taking into account the continuing research and development between Rhys and our engineers, we are fully confident that our tyres mixed with a proven vehicle will push us all to new heights.”
Millen is one of several drivers Hankook sponsors across multiple formats in the USA. The company also has a strong presence in Formula Drift, where it sponsors six drivers, including last year’s series champion, Chris Forsberg.
