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Motorcycle racing will not be included in 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Posted at 11:05 AM, Jul 26, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-26 14:04:39-04

COLORADO SPRINGS — There were hints officials in charge of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb were seriously considering no longer including motorcycles in the annual summer event to reach the fastest time up America's Mountain. Now it is official, there will be no motorcycles for the 2020 event.

According to a release from the Board of Director, "It was decided that in order to determine the long-term viability of the motorcycle program there will be no motorcycle program offered in 2020 so that race organizers can gather data and analytics to review more thoroughly the impact on the overall event in the absence of this program."

The same release points out motorcycle racing has not taken place every year since the event began in 1916. While it was part of the inaugural event, it has been a staple for the past 29 years.

On June 30, famed racer Carlin Dunne was killed when his prototype Ducati Streetfighter V4 highsided on the very last segment of the track, just before the finish line. According to the organization's Race Director and Race Safety Team, the motorcycle was inspected and there were no signs of mechanical failure.

On a related note, a new campaign to raise funds to support Dunne's mother and to honor his legacy was launched this week. Ducati North America and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have created memorial stickers and arm bands now for sale. Learn more about the campaign here.