Fire Postpones Pikes Peak; Curtis Turner Broke 15 Minute Mark in 1962 Wheeling Ralph Moody Ford

News reports bring word that those awful Colorado wildfires have forced postponement of the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. I was curious to see if we have any NASCAR connections to the annual climb and found that Curtis Turner was the first driver in the Super Stock Car class to make the climb in under 15 minutes, winning the 1962 event behind the wheel of a Ralph Moody Ford.

Parnelli Jones won the same class in 1963 and 1964 driving Bill Stroppe Mercurys.

Anybody know much about the climb and its ties to any of our NASCAR stock car drivers?

Here's Curtis setting the record in 1962 as the first under 15 minutes in the Ralph Moody Ford. Photos as posted at www.pilotos-muertos.com .

Jun 27, 9:24 PM EDT

Fire postpones Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been postponed because of extreme weather and safety concerns due to a destructive wildfire near Colorado Springs.

Shifting wind has been fueling the fire that has destroyed some homes and prompted evacuations of an estimated 35,000 people.

Racing officials say 211 competitors from around the world were expected to participate at the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, originally scheduled for July 8. Organizers said Wednesday they hope to announce within two weeks a new date for the event this summer.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Dave, I spent 1964 and 1965 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and got to go to the hill climb one of those years but dont exactly remember which it was. I was running at a small outlaw track east of town and got to know the pit steward who was a volunteer for the hill climb and he got me a free ticket. I was about half way up the mountain and remember that David Pearson was one of the first several cars up the mountain. I think it was a Plymouth and I remember the tremendous dust cloud he was kicking up and I was one of the few people yelling for him as almost the entire crowd around was for Parnelli Jones. It is one of my fondest memories i guess because my view of him was about 6 or 7 seconds. lol....

Robbie, You must be one brave man....lol. I remember how many turns and how sharp they were and the drop off's went on forever. Its got to be the scariest 12 1/2 miles around. Did I read somewhere recently they are thinking of paving it? Hope you get to do your wish....

The race starts at about the 9400' level and goes to the top which is over 14,000' and with over 150 turns that tells you everything you need to know about it. lol..Having 12 1/2 miles of length in less than one mile of vertical height really say's something about the race. I dont know what they say the horsepower loss is due to lack of oxygen but the drivers have to really get in shape to have the mind and reflexes to handle the altitude.