Colorado Auto Racing History
Colorado has a rich history in auto racing. The state claims the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and has strong ties to the legendary Unser family. Midget racing also has a heritage in Colorado.
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Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
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Racers first competed up Pikes Peak in August of 1916. The first champion, Rae Lentz, completed the 12.42-mile course in just under 21 minutes. The course, though short, is extremely challenging. Weather conditions may vary from sunny to sleeting throughout the race and parts of the track remain unpaved.
Unser Family
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The Unser family has a place in Colorado racing history. Four generations of Unsers have raced up Pikes Peak, beginning in 1926. Al, Bobby and Al Unser, Jr. all won titles there before becoming winners on the Indy circuit.
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Colorado Midget Racing
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Midget racing appeared in Denver in the late 1930s. Two tracks, Merchant's Park and Lakeside, competed with each other for spectators until Lakeside was paved in 1939. This resulted in a surge in Lakeside's popularity; Merchant's Park could not compete and was closed. Colorado racing legend Lloyd Axel headed a group of drivers and owners to create The Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association in 1940, making it the sanctioning body of the races.
Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame
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The Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame first inducted members in 1978. The honorees included Lloyd Axel, Bill Kenz, Roy Leslie, Johnny Mauro and Louis Unser.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit pikes peak image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
