It was two years ago when the organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) challenge put the motorcycle category aside following the death of racer Carlin Dunne onboard a Ducati Streetfighter V4 Prototype. The motorcycle was intended to make its debut at the competition.
After two years of deliberation, the organizers of the competition announced that they will discontinue the motorcycle competition from the annual event.
“The Board of the Directors of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has made the decision to discontinue motorcycle competition as part of the annual Race to the Clouds,” said the organizers through a statement.
Though this is not the first time throughout the competition’s 105 years of existence that the motorcycle category has been suspended, some were suggesting that the completion of the pavement works up to the top of the eponymous race had led to racers, particularly motorcycle riders, to push even harder. The faster speeds may have led to more serious accidents.
“Motorcycle competition has been part of the history of the race off-and-on since 1916, and has been both thrilling and tragic for competitors and fans alike,” said Fred Veitch, Interim Chairman of the Board. “This has been a long process and a difficult decision, but we believe it is the right decision and one that is in the best interest of the organization at this time.”
