COLORADO SPRINGS — The Millens’ legacy as one of the great families of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb already seems secure. But unlimited division driver Rhys Millen wants to make sure of it by taking back the all-time record.
“You are only on this earth for a certain period of time,” he said this week in preparation for Sunday’s event. “We plan on being the fastest car up the hill and getting the world record back in the family name, the Millen name.”
It’s already a well-regarded name, thanks to his father Rod, 60, who returns this year to compete after an 11-year absence, in the time attack 2WD division. He posted the top qualifying times in all three sections this week using his son’s drift competition car.
Rod won eight class championships and the overall title five times (1994 and 1996-99) with a then-unlimited record (10 minutes, 04.06 seconds) in 1994.
“When I found out about Rod competing, I thought that arguably the best driver of the modern era (after the Unsers) just entered my class,” said defending time attack champion Jeff Zwart, who holds the class record (11:31.095), 38 seconds better than the mark set by Rhys (12:09.40) in 2009. “That’s a little bit intimidating.”
The chance to set two records as a father-son team will only add to their legacy at America’s second-oldest motorsports race.
“I’m pleased he wants to add to the family’s legacy,” Rod said. “It’s important to Rhys, and it’s fabulous that he takes it seriously.”
Rhys, a six-time Hill Climb champion, still wants to make sure the Millen name lives on.
“This isn’t about my first name,” he said. “I’d love to have my daughter race here someday and have people come up to her and say they remember seeing my father race. I just want to carry on the legacy.”
Smashing the 10-minute mark would cement it. Rhys said “breaking into the 9s” has been a dream of his for the past 10 years.
Five-time defending unlimited champ Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima feels much the same. He has been close — setting the record of 10:01.408 in 2007 — and the practice times leader has high hopes that Sunday could be the day.
“It’s never about just finishing,” he said.
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Where: Colorado Springs
When: 9 a.m., Sunday, road opens at 4 a.m.
Tickets: $40 for ages 10 and older ($45 on race day). Available at King Soopers or TicketsWest locations (866-464-2626)
Info:
