The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck electric vehicle demonstrator conquered the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a record-breaking performance, clocking an impressive time of 8:53.553, the fastest among 61 competitors.
This achievement comes just days after the SuperTruck set a new qualifying record for the open class, completing the course in 3:32.831 – over seven seconds faster than the previous record of 3:39.939 set by the Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 in 2023.
“The progression of Ford electric vehicles taking on and completing the toughest challenges is a major testament to the hard work and dedication our teams have put into the program,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “We learned a great deal from SuperVan 4.2 in last year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and were able to apply that knowledge to this year’s run. It’s onward and upward from here.”
Driver Romain Dumas encountered a technical issue during the climb, necessitating a complete stop on the course. This stop added approximately 26 seconds to his initial qualifying time. Dumas’s quick thinking allowed him to reset the 1,600-horsepower F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and resume the climb, mitigating the impact of the technical setback.
“I’m honored to achieve this victory with Ford Performance at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Dumas. “Everything about this event is a challenge because it is unlike any other form of racing, you only have one shot. We faced a challenge early on, but that only gave me more determination to make up the lost time in the rest of the run.”
The development of the Ford Performance F-150 Lightning SuperTruck was a collaborative effort, with STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development) playing a crucial role in creating the 1,600-horsepower powerhouse. The SuperTruck was also equipped with top-tier Sparco racing harnesses and safety equipment, and bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tires, ensuring its stability on the treacherous mountain roads.
“To achieve this amazing feat was no small effort,” said Sriram Pakkam, Formula 1 & High-Performance EV Manager at Ford Performance Motorsports. “This was a true team effort across the board from our super-talented aerodynamicists to our powertrain specialists. We also had to work as a team to sweat the details such as keeping the weight down while maximizing the downforce, and I think the team did a fantastic job.”
The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck’s performance at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb showcases the significant advancements and commitment of Ford Performance in the realm of electric vehicle technology and motorsport.
