In 2016 I returned to Pikes Peak with Palatov Motorsport. This year was a two car effort bring back the D2 from the year before with several updates including all new bodywork and introducing the D4 Pikes Peak Special which was custom built for the race. My primary responsibility was to support the D2 so everyone else could focus on the D4 which inevitably had some kinks to work out leading up to and during the race. Overall it was a great Pikes Peak effort resulting in two podium finishes.

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Concept image of the D1 Pikes Peak Special (PPS) that was a new build for this year and would race in our two car effort for 2016.

Concept image of the D1 Pikes Peak Special (PPS) that was a new build for this year and would race in our two car effort for 2016.

The D2 was essentially the same car as the year before but with all new bodywork concepted here.

The D2 was essentially the same car as the year before but with all new bodywork concepted here.

Fitting the new bodywork together was a massive challenge since everything was new and untested. I had to figure out the best ways to not just connect every body panel together but also to connect them to the car and have them stay in place at 150+

Fitting the new bodywork together was a massive challenge since everything was new and untested. I had to figure out the best ways to not just connect every body panel together but also to connect them to the car and have them stay in place at 150+ mph

D4PPS build progressing. This car will still be in pieces as we go to Colorado for the test and tune weekend before the race.

D4PPS build progressing. This car will still be in pieces as we go to Colorado for the test and tune weekend before the race.

Pikes Peak Test and Tune weekend and I’m performing race support. We started out by performing a shake down at a local track to make sure nothing was broken in transport and to give the driver a chance to get comfortable in the car.

Pikes Peak Test and Tune weekend and I’m performing race support. We started out by performing a shake down at a local track to make sure nothing was broken in transport and to give the driver a chance to get comfortable in the car.

Morning on the mountain. We ran Glen Cove to the summit day one. One of my favorite places at Pikes Peak. Typical drill. Wake up at 2 AM, drive to the mountain, unload in the dark, get the car set up and warm then try to get as many laps as we can

Morning on the mountain. We ran Glen Cove to the summit day one. One of my favorite places at Pikes Peak. Typical drill. Wake up at 2 AM, drive to the mountain, unload in the dark, get the car set up and warm then try to get as many laps as we can while making changes in between to tire pressure, shock settings, etc. Anything that can’t be easily adjusted on the mountain is noted and adjusted later.

Day 2 on the lower section. This part of the course is typically easier on the car so its more a matter of getting maximum driver seat time.

Day 2 on the lower section. This part of the course is typically easier on the car so its more a matter of getting maximum driver seat time.

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We were able to get the D4PPS completed and loaded up two trailers to take to Colorado.

We were able to get the D4PPS completed and loaded up two trailers to take to Colorado.

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I would be continuing to support primarily the D2RS and its driver this year. Got the car rolled through tech, everything approved and then we are on to the mountain for the week of testing.

I would be continuing to support primarily the D2RS and its driver this year. Got the car rolled through tech, everything approved and then we are on to the mountain for the week of testing.

Testing at the top. Usual Drill, unload in the dark, warm the cars up, check tire pressure, get in line to do as many runs as we can.

Testing at the top. Usual Drill, unload in the dark, warm the cars up, check tire pressure, get in line to do as many runs as we can.

Great views from the top as we wrap up practice and return to Portland to finish building the D4PPS and make any changes to the D2

Great views from the top as we wrap up practice and return to Portland to finish building the D4PPS and make any changes to the D2

The D4PPS gets some interested looks from the others at Tech Inspection

The D4PPS gets some interested looks from the others at Tech Inspection

Both cars being cared for. We would learn this morning that putting the bodywork for the D4PPS behind the car is a bad idea.

Both cars being cared for. We would learn this morning that putting the bodywork for the D4PPS behind the car is a bad idea.

Before we got a chance to run the morning started out with some drama and chaos. A competitor was getting into their car and before they could fully get in their car started rolling down a hill right towards our cars. They hit the body work for th

Before we got a chance to run the morning started out with some drama and chaos. A competitor was getting into their car and before they could fully get in their car started rolling down a hill right towards our cars. They hit the body work for the D4PPS and pinned it against the D2RS. Before we even went out on the road we are doing damage assessment and making sure the cars are safe to be driven.

The D2 RS came away only slightly damaged. Nothing some gaffers tape couldn’t fix so we could get out and make the best of the little time we have.

The D2 RS came away only slightly damaged. Nothing some gaffers tape couldn’t fix so we could get out and make the best of the little time we have.

The D4PPS’s body work was completely destroyed. It looks fine in the picture but its pre-preg carbon fiber and while it might generally have the right shape, the body is shattered and broken everywhere.

The D4PPS’s body work was completely destroyed. It looks fine in the picture but its pre-preg carbon fiber and while it might generally have the right shape, the body is shattered and broken everywhere.

Since the D4’s bodywork was not at all usable we ran the car without so the driver could get as much seat time as possible. Not ideal but you have to do what you can some times.

Since the D4’s bodywork was not at all usable we ran the car without so the driver could get as much seat time as possible. Not ideal but you have to do what you can some times.

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Repairs in the garage of the Air BNB.

Repairs in the garage of the Air BNB.

We couldn’t find a local shop to help us repair the bodywork for the D4 so we sourced fiberglass and resin locally and commenced repairs in the air BNB garage. I instructed our interns for the year on how to perform composites repairs.

We couldn’t find a local shop to help us repair the bodywork for the D4 so we sourced fiberglass and resin locally and commenced repairs in the air BNB garage. I instructed our interns for the year on how to perform composites repairs.

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The D2 on the start line for the race. Final checks, turning on gopro cameras and then its off to try to post the fastest time possible.

The D2 on the start line for the race. Final checks, turning on gopro cameras and then its off to try to post the fastest time possible.

Despite all of the challenges the D4 PPS made it to the start line on race day. It was then all up to the driver to post the fastest time possible up the mountain.

Despite all of the challenges the D4 PPS made it to the start line on race day. It was then all up to the driver to post the fastest time possible up the mountain.

A great result! For a lot of people just making it to the top of the mountain during the race is a massive accomplishment but to come home with two trophies is an outstanding result. Another great Pikes Peak effort in the books.

A great result! For a lot of people just making it to the top of the mountain during the race is a massive accomplishment but to come home with two trophies is an outstanding result. Another great Pikes Peak effort in the books.