Nine-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb and Peugeot dominated the 91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado this weekend, setting a new course record in the process.
In a specially built Peugeot 208 T16 (the French carmaker’s first time back at the event since back to back titles in 1988 and 1989), Loeb was clearly the pacesetter for the Unlimited class and overall during practice and qualifying. The French motorsport ace then proceeded to smash the old record with an 8 minute 13.878 second run – a minute an a half faster than the previous record set by American Rhys Millen at last year’s event.
Both Millen (in a custom Hyundai PM580T), and Frenchman Jean-Philippe Dayraut in a Mini Countryman surpassed the old record as well, achieving 9 minute 02.192 second and 9 minute 42.740 second runs respectively.
Among the numerous class winners was nine-time Pikes Peak overall winner “Monster” Tajima. The Japanese legend moved to the electric class last year, and this year managed a 9 minute 51.278 second run. American Paul Dallenbach won the time attack division using the same Hyundai Genesis that Rhys Millen drove last year.
The Pikes Peak title is yet another trophy on Loeb’s mantel, adding to his nine WRC crowns, 24 hours of Le Mans podium finish, and X-games rallycross title. With the Frenchman’s eyes set on World Touring Cars with Citroën in 2014, there is certainly more success headed his way.
Watch Sebastien Loeb’s full record-breaking run here.
