HILL CLIMB

Romain Dumas prepares to drive down Pikes Peak after winning the 95th Annual Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Sunday June 25, 2017. Photo by James Wooldridge, The Gazette

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb revealed the Hall of Fame class of 2018 inductees Thursday. The class consists of Leonard and Barb Vahsholtz, Jeff Zwart, Randy Schranz, Davey Durelle and the late Glen Shultz.

This hall of legends is dedicated to preserving accomplishments of unforgettable individuals who have made their mark on the historic Race to the Clouds.

Glen W. Shultz (1892–1936)

Six-time dominator of the Open Wheel division, 1929 Stock Car title winner and seven-time King of the Mountain, Glen Shultz was a force to be reckoned with. He was the first contender to set three overall course records, had 11 podium finishes and captured eight division wins. Auto parts store owner Shultz died Feb. 8, 1936, in his home in Colorado Springs.

Leonard and Barb Vahsholtz

Only Leonard Vahsholtz could win 18 races in 33 years. Vahsholtz claimed his most unique win at Pikes Peak in 1993 when he set a record in the Stock Car division, was helicoptered back to the start, raced again in the truck division and set a second record. Leonard’s fastest time was 11:30.536 in the Pikes Peak Open class in 2007.

Providing painfully precise timing and scoring for 35 years, Barb Vahsholtz’s contribution to racing has been vital to the pair’s success. She developed a backup timing system that benefits all racers and is still in use. The accuracy of her hand-calculated times match that of an electronic computer.

Jeff Zwart

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Porsche enthusiast Jeff Zwart has worn many hats atop Pikes Peak, first as a Road and Track magazine photographer, then as a competitor and champion, and finally as mentor in this year’s race. His Hill Climb experience covers competition in six classes, with all eight class championships captured behind the wheel of his favorite car. Visionary filmmaker Zwart has directed many films and commercials on Pikes Peak and his latest, “Climb Khana,” has over 14 million views.

Randy Schranz

Randy Schranz competed for 40 years, captured 10 class wins and 17 additional top-10 finishes. He raced his fastest time of 10:35.225 in 2013 at the Pikes Peak Open class. Owner of Randy’s High Country Towing, Schranz provided towing and vehicle recovery for the Hill Climb for nearly 15 years. 

Davey Durelle

Named the “winningest” motorcycle racer on Pikes Peak, Davey Durelle got his first motorcycle at age 10, rode in his first race at age 11, and won his first short-track race shortly after that. This fan favorite has six King of the Mountain titles and raced his fastest time on America’s Mountain in 2017 in 10:35.354. Durelle was inducted to the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2016.

This world-famous competition will enter its 96th year June 24 when racers worldwide gather again to race on America’s Mountain.  

The induction ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. June 21 at Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave.

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Game analysis and insights from The Gazette sports staff including columns by Woody Paige and Paul Klee.

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