Big rig racer Mike Ryan will battle for the title onceagain in the exhibition division of the 90th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday, August 12th. Ryan, the record holder with six records and twelve Pikes Peak International Hill Climb class wins, will be attempting to beat his time of 12.46.81.

Ryan will be racing in his Freightliner Cascadia Special Race Truck, designed specifically for this year’s climb. The truck is powered by a 2,350 HP Detroit Diesel Series 60 Race Spec Engine with BD Turbo/ Borg Warner Compound Turbo System. It has a ZF five-speed transmission that has been modified for racing. At 2,700 RPM, the truck can reach speeds up to 120 miles per hour!

Since 1916, drivers and motorcycle riders have challenged this 12.46-mile course, which runs from mile 7 of Pikes Peak Highway to the 14,110-foot summit of Pikes Peak. The traditionally dirt mountain run, with 156 turns, cliffs of 2,000 feet and no guardrails has been completely paved and could mean a whole new ballgame for the racers.

“To get the truck ready for the paved trail we had to add a dual ‘air over hydraulic’ brake system and stiffen the suspension,” says Ryan.  “To get myself ready I will be entering an endurance race and will go to kart racing school to get as many laps as possible to practice driving smoothly; stunt driving is about over doing it and it only looks fast.”

Ryan has been a stunt driver for over 30 years. You’ve seen Ryan in some of your favorite action films like Men In Black III and Fast Five where he was filmed tearing up the pavement, busting through concrete barriers, launching cars off bridges and even pushing a safe down the freeway while cop cars pursue.

Check back to see the results of Ryan’s race to the clouds and to see video of his big rig in action!

Comments (7)

Heather Dunn

Heather started with ATBS in April of 2012 as the Digital Marketing Manager. Heather is a graduate of Michigan State University earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations. When Heather is not working she enjoys being outdoors. She loves the beach, the mountains, and riding her cruiser bike.

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I was able to spend some time with Mike at GATS and he is fun to talk with and also to hear about some of his pretty cool adventures. Look forward to visiting with him again.

September 06, 2012 4:41:17 AM

Mike Ryan is a very nice guy and interesting to talk to. My wife and I met himat MATS in Louisville...I am happy for him with his new accomplishment....and no Bill the truck does not have a passenger seat...LOL>>.

August 17, 2012 21:32:17 PM

Mike set his 7th record yesterday at the 90th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a time of 12:38, eclipsing his previous 2006 record in his old truck by 5 seconds. This new record included a loss of nearly 40 seconds from loosing the brakes and spinning the truck out in the second left hand switchback of the "W's" and backing into and tearing up the guardrail. Once underway from there, running with severely faded brakes, he ran the remaining three and a half miles to the summit cautiously and to top it off, the last two miles of that was in the rain. It is safe to say that he lost a good minute.

August 13, 2012 9:49:47 AM

Hey Mike I got a hot load to deliver can I borrow your truck? LOL

August 12, 2012 21:54:56 PM

I'll stick to hiking Pikes Peak...I don't do speed well. Good luck and be safe!

August 09, 2012 9:24:45 AM

Hey Bill I agree I want to go for a ride to where does the line start? What a thrill it is to watch the U-Tubes of Ryan drifting the truck. I wonder what the chances are of him maybe letting us drive the truck?

August 08, 2012 13:58:15 PM

Great article ! Is there a passenger seat in that truck? I'd like to go for a ride !!

August 08, 2012 12:59:15 PM