PEAK PONY

“Over the past 60 years, Shelby American vehicles have thrived in some of the toughest competitions in the world,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “Everyone in the Shelby community is proud that Robert Prilika and RPM Motorsports were so successful with a stock Shelby GT500SE at Pikes Peak. It was the first time one of our street-legal cars rolled straight out of the Las Vegas factory and into the world-famous American hill climb. We salute the RPM team for this historic achievement.”

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Provided and sponsored by Pierre Ford, the Shelby GT500SE remained as constructed by Shelby American save for the addition of the requisite safety upgrades needed for such a harrowing endeavor. The car had just completed its break-in period as it rolled into the practice runs for The Race In The Clouds.

“The Shelby Signature Edition package for the current generation Shelby GT500 was designed to give the world-class Ford supercar even more capabilities,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations, Chief Test Driver, and Chief Designer. “Featuring additional power, enhanced cooling, weight reduction, and sharper handling, it was designed for both spirited street driving and ripping up the competition ona racecourse. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb was a great test for the powerful Shelby American car when in the hands of such a skilled, proven driver and his team.”

 After heavy rains rolled through the area, the temperatures plummeted into the low 40s and fog clung to the mountain during most of the day.

“The morning conditions were some of the most challenging that I’ve ever faced in my many years driving up the hill,”said Robert Prilika. “But the slick road and poor visibility did not deter us. My team ensured an outstanding result by preparing the car to overcome such unpredictable weather. And the Shelby GT500SE was incredible to drive. It was so powerful and poised that I confidently motored up the mountain at a very fast pace. It was mind-blowing to realize that I could’ve easily, and legally, driven home directly from the competition in it after having set the best time for a true stock production car on the mountain. That is simply amazing.”

And the sold-out crowd of enthusiasts on hand to witness history as part of a Team Shelby experience were certainly amazed by the feat wherein finished in the 10th spot in the exhibition class with a 13:37.383 total time.

“We put enthusiasts into the middle of all the action,” said Tracey Smith, International Director of Team Shelby and Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International. “We kicked off the weekend by following Robert in the Shelby GT500SE up the mountain along the course so everyone could understand what he faced on race day. Then we had a private party with the race team during Fan Fest in downtown Colorado Springs. On race day, we hung out with the crew in their pits and watched the competition from the VIP section. We made memories and friends that will last a lifetime, while also witnessing history.”