I applied to RACE up Pikes Peak this year! They responded..

Summary

After being rejected last year, Cleetus McFarland was selected this year to race his highly modified Mazda RX-7 in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Though still a novice driver, he vows to prepare extensively over the next months, improving his driving skills and modifying his car for safety, cooling, power, and downforce. He acknowledges the personal risks but sees it as the culmination of his work on rotary engines and passion for driving, committing fully to make his supporters proud.

Takeaways

• 😊 Got accepted to participate in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb this year after being rejected last year due to lack of experience
• 🚗 Will be taking the 3 rotor RX-7 drift car, not the 4 rotor drag car, since he still lacks experience for the 4 rotor
• 🔧 The 3 rotor will be extensively modified and prepared over the next months to handle the demands of Pikes Peak
• 🛠 Upgrades will focus on safety, engine performance at high altitude, cooling, suspension, brakes, aerodynamics
• 👷‍♂️ Has partnered with racing experts to get coaching and share knowledge to accelerate his learning curve as a driver
• 😎 Goal is to prove he can drive the 3 rotor safely and competitively at Pikes Peak after all the work he's put into building it
• ⛰ Pikes Peak course is challenging with big elevation changes, decreasing air density, and demanding on both car and driver
• 🏎 Will document the journey of preparing for the event through videos showing both progress and failures/struggles
• 💪 Hopes to reward people's faith in his abilities and prove he can handle such an intense driving challenge safely
• 😅 Admits feeling overwhelmed but very thankful for the opportunity and will give 100% effort to prepare thoroughly

Q & A

Why was Cleetus initially rejected from participating in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb last year?

He was rejected because he lacked demonstrated relevant road racing experience according to the committee. They cited this as the reason, saying it was a safety concern due to his inexperience.

What modifications and improvements is Cleetus planning to make to his car for the 2023 Pikes Peak Hill Climb?

He plans to upgrade the roll cage and fuel cell for safety, add suspension sensors, improve cooling capacity, adjust the wastegate for high altitude, reposition the drivetrain for better weight distribution, and work on brakes, downforce, and oil system.

What does Cleetus say is the most expensive modification planned for the car?

Switching to a dry sump oil tank system. He says this is critical for maintaining oil pressure during hard cornering.

Why does Cleetus want to reposition the drivetrain in the car?

To move the shifter closer to his driving position and improve front-rear weight distribution by moving weight rearward and lowering the center of gravity.

What driving improvements does Cleetus say he plans to focus on in preparation for Pikes Peak?

Gaining as much driving experience and education as possible through professionals to accelerate his learning. He knows he lacks experience currently.

What does Cleetus say is at stake if his car fails during the run?

He says his life is on the line, so failure is not an option. Having the car break down and not finishing would be devastating.

What is Cleetus's background that has prepared him for this challenge?

He has experience building and tuning high-performance rotary engines, even though he lacks racing experience. His mechanical skills provide a foundation.

What does Cleetus say his videos will focus on between now and the 2023 Pikes Peak event?

Documenting all the preparations to improve himself as a driver and make the car as fast and reliable as possible for the daunting Pikes Peak run.

Why does Cleetus think the committee took a risk in selecting him?

Because his lack of experience could result in him crashing or otherwise struggling during the event, which would reflect poorly on their selection process.

What does Cleetus say is the purpose behind all his automotive projects?

He says everything connects back to this Pikes Peak car and his goal to compete in this prestigious event. It's his driving motivation.