Ken Block is back with another cool video for us to check out, and this one is a bit different. Rather than spinning his way around stuff in a city as we are used to, this time he takes his even more modified 1400hp Hoonicorn Mustang up Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Each year, Pikes Peak is closed down for a few days for the international hill climb race, and Block went all out for this event. He had to modify his Hoonicorn Mustang to give it more power to handle the 14,000-foot elevation and the lack of oxygen. Block and his team fitted the Hoonicorn with larger turbos and used methanol as fuel for the event.
The Challenge of Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is one of the most challenging and dangerous hill climbs in the world. The race, known as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or “The Race to the Clouds,” has been held since 1916. The course is 12.42 miles long and consists of 156 turns, starting at an elevation of 9,390 feet and finishing at the 14,115-foot summit. The thin air at high altitudes robs engines of power and makes it difficult for drivers to breathe, adding to the challenge.
Block tore up the mountain, doing donuts and coming literal inches from death in the video. The video is worth a watch for the scenery alone. Living in Colorado Springs for over a year now, I have driven up Pikes Peak multiple times. Imagine a narrow 2-lane road with sheer drops off the side at literally every turn that would certainly kill you if you mess up.
Modifications and Performance
To tackle the unique challenges of Pikes Peak, Block’s team made significant modifications to the Hoonicorn Mustang. The car was already a beast with 1400 horsepower, but the high altitude required even more power. The team installed larger turbos to force more air into the engine, compensating for the thin atmosphere. They also switched to methanol fuel, which burns cooler and provides more power than regular gasoline.
The result was a car that could handle the extreme conditions of Pikes Peak. Block’s driving skills were put to the test as he navigated the treacherous course, performing stunts and drifting around corners with sheer drops just inches away. The video captures the intensity and danger of the climb, as well as the breathtaking beauty of the mountain.
Block’s performance at Pikes Peak is a testament to his driving skills and the engineering prowess of his team. The Hoonicorn Mustang is a marvel of automotive engineering, capable of handling extreme conditions and delivering incredible performance. The video is a must-watch for fans of motorsports and anyone who appreciates the thrill of high-speed driving.
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