“Monster” Tajima achieves a 9-minute Run at Pikes Peak on Giti Tires
Famed road racer Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima placed 5th overall in Sunday’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) and recorded a 9-minute run for the 4th consecutive year on Giti tires.
It was an eventful week for the famed road racer. After being inducted into the PPIHC Hall of Fame on Thursday, Tajima and his high-powered electric car crossed the finish line in 9:51.978, good for fifth place overall and third in the electric car class.
A 7-time overall champion at Pikes Peak, Tajima was aiming for the championship again, but encountered issues with the car. Right after his start, a mechanical vibration that had never occurred before prevented him from going full throttle. Combined with a persistent battery temperature issue, which the team fought all week during practice and qualifying, he was forced to tame his run.
While too many critical problems overlapped to set a new record, the team was pleased that it was able to mark a nine-minute run for four years in a row and again demonstrate the advantages of electric vehicles to a global audience.
“I am content in the fact that I was able to complete my 29th challenge to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb with gracious support from the team, and including those past achievements I was inducted into the Pikes Peak Hall of Fame. The issues presented this time shall be addressed firmly, and I would like to challenge the race again next year. I sincerely thank everyone for all your unending support,” Tajima said.
Tajima and his team members said the Giti tires performed admirably all week, “providing excellent grip and predictable handling.”
“We wish to congratulate ‘Monster’ Tajima on his hall of fame induction and 3rd place finish in the electric division in a very competitive race,” said Armand Allaire, executive vice president of sales for Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. “This race presents significant challenges for tire developers, and we were very pleased with how the Giti tires performed in the 100th anniversary of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.”
