| Record Breaking | Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, USA | Suzuki Sport XL7 Special |
When you consider the likes of Ari Vatanen and Walter Röhl have graced the mountainsides of America's legendary Pikes Peak hill climb, in the process setting some mega-quick ascent times, the achievement of Nobuhiro Tajima becomes clear.
President of Suzuki Sport, "Monster" Tajima has broken the previous record held by Australian Rod Millen, posting a time of 10 minutes and one second, on the way to winning his second consecutive Pikes Peak International Hill Climb meeting.
The 85th anniversary of the event was a stark contrast to last year where lightning and severe weather caused much disruption, dashing Tajima's hopes of breaking the 10 minute barrier.
In more appealing conditions, his 2007 record-breaking attempt was aided by a heavily converted 2007 Suzuki XL7 (a North American market model). The Japanese V6, 3.6-litre produced a mountain-moving 993bhp with 738lb.ft of torque, all bolted into a body that produces 35 percent more aerodynamic downforce than last year's racer, a carbon-fibre-bodied Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Tajima, although delighted with his class victory, hopes to beat the elusive 10 minute barrier next year, weather permitting of course...
Kyle Molyneux - 24 Jul 2007