© 2009 Kevin Hahn Photography

Nobuhiro Tajima won the 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, driving his Monster Sport SX4, for the fourth time in a row, but left the Colorada race feeling somewhat frustrated at failing to beat the ten minute barrier again.

"Monster" took a convincing win though, with a time of 10.15,368 and beating his nearest rival, Paul Dallenbach (Chevy), by well over 30 seconds.

Conditions played a part in the record not being broken this year with Tajima complaining of much loose gravel on the dirt sections. The latter runners were hit by some thunder and lightning with sudden downpours, causing a few delays and leaving the asphalt parts of the hill particularly slippery and treacherous.

Ford had a disastrous time in Colorado with numerous problems throughout the week. Marcus Gronholm could only manage fifth (2nd in the Unlimited Class) overall after his turbo blew 5km from the summit, while Andreas Eriksson rolled his Fiesta out of the event during the race after previously being off in practice earlier in the week. Gronholm did say after that he would like to return next year, but better prepared this time.

Darlington's Mark Rennison had further mechanical woes with his Ford RS200 and could only muster 15th o/a.

"Monster" on his way to victory

Andeas Eriksson onboard Ford Fiesta Mk7 roll - Race interviews with Gronholm & Eriksson

Pikes Peak Video Highlights

PPIHC 2009 Video Part 1

Part 2

87. PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB RESULTS
1. Nobuhiro Tajima (J) Monster Sport SX4 10.15,368
2. Paul Dallenbach (USA) Chevy 10.52,097
3. Jimmy Keeney (USA) Greenwood-Hull K-Tech 2 11.03,551
4. Spencer Steele (USA) Ford Wells Coyote 11.08,535
5. Marcus Grönholm/Timo Alanne (FIN) Ford Fiesta 11.28,963
6. Clint Vahsholtz (USA) Ford Mustang 11.39,662
7. Jack Guynn (USA) Wells Coyote 11.43,675
8. Davey Durelle (USA) Aprilia SXV 11.48,649
9. Gary Trachy (USA) KTM SMX 11.48,743
10. David Carapetyan/Adam Kneipp (USA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII 11.52,837
11. Jeff Grace (USA) KTM 610 SMR 11.59,156
12. Layne Schranz (USA) Chevrolet Monte Carlo 12.02,672
13. Rhys Millen (USA) Hyundai Genesis Coupe 12.09,397
14. David Kern/Allison Kern (USA) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII 12.10,335
15. Mark Rennison (GB) Ford RS200 12.11,561

Source: autoklub.pl

http://www.ppihc.com/

http://www.kevinhahnphotography.com/

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Similar Posts:

• Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2008 and Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima wins again but no record this year
• Pike’s Peak Hill Climb 2009 – Day Three Practice – Monster Tajima, Marcus Gronholm, etc – Videos
• Marcus Gronholm – Climb Dance – Pikes Peak Hill Climb ‘09

About the Author

Scott Coursey is the editor-in-chief of RallyBuzz.com and can be found on Twitter or on Facebook