Pikes Peak has long been associated with motor racing through its renowned 12-mile hillclimb. Located on the site of a former horse racetrack, Colorado’s first permanent speedway held a round of the IndyCar Series for the first nine seasons since it opened in 1997. A smooth, wide tri-oval with 10 degree banked turns, Pikes Peak International Raceway was the quickest circuit on the Indy Racing League calendar until Michigan switched over from the rival Champ Car World Series in 2002. The Rocky Mountains form a majestic background for the 42,787 grandstand seats.
