Honda Announces Its Final Entrant Into This Year’s Pike’s Peak Hill Climb Race

BARRINGTON, Ill. - June 19, 2013 - PRLog -- The 2013 Honda Odyssey minivan (http://www.motorwerkshonda.com/2013-honda-odyssey.htm), which is available at Motor Werks Honda in Barrington, IL, might have been the last vehicle that most people were expecting to race at Pike’s Peak, but that is exactly what Honda is doing with it. One of the world’s foremost family haulers has been announced as the 10th and final vehicle that Honda will enter into one of the world’s most exciting race events, which sends drivers and their vehicles up to the 14,000-foot summit of Pike’s Peak, outside of Colorado Springs.  

A very special Honda Odyssey, made by Honda associates in Alabama, will tackle the 156 turns of the 12.42-mile climb. The Odyssey will join other vehicles made by Honda this year in a major push to reenter motorsports by the Japanese automaker. Other Honda vehicles that will take part include a Honda CR-Z, a Honda Fit EV (http://www.motorwerkshonda.com/2013-honda-fit-ev.htm), and several motorcycles. Simon Pagenaud, a French IndyCar driver, will pilot the Odyssey.

This Odyssey doesn’t boast any major exterior changes beyond a custom paintjob. It can still handle family-moving duties; however, under the hood, the stock 3.5L V6 gets a Garrett GT35R turbocharger, which boosts power output to 532 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque — that’s more than double the standard rating. Other modifications to make the Odyssey race-ready include upgraded wheels, high-performance Brembo brakes, a performance-tuned suspension, and a limited slip differential. The Odyssey also gets a roll cage, as even the most seasoned drivers sometimes lose control during the Pike’s Peak race.

The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of the oldest ongoing races in the world. The first race too place in 1916, and has been going on ever since. The race is renowned for testing drivers and vehicles with varied weather and the grueling, twisting course. The first winner of the race completed it in just under 21 minutes, and Rhys Millen set the current record of 9 minutes and 46 seconds in 2012.

Drivers in the Chicago area who are interested in the 2013 Honda Odyssey, the Fit, or the CR-Z, all of which are racing in the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, can visit Motor Werks Honda (http://www.motorwerkshonda.com/dealership/directions.htm) at 1475 S Barrington Rd in Barrington, IL.