The Unser family is synonymous with the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) that takes place this June 26th. The clan began competing in the “Race to the Clouds” in 1926, with Louis and Joe Unser making the climb on the road that wasn’t fully paved until 2011. Now a fourth-generation racer is onboard to tackle the 156 turns, 12.42-miles and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, keeping the Unser name and achievements rolling up the 14,115-foot climb.
Loni Unser, 24, is set to contest the 100th running of this race in the No. 92 Hagerty/Yokohama/Mobil 1/Pep Boys Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the Trophy division. A March 2022 winner in the World Racing League (WRL), driving the No. 701 Hagerty Porsche Cayman with Round 3 Racing, Unser is looking forward to attacking the course that includes sections named “Devil’s Playground” and “Bottomless Pit.”
“Pikes Peak is a completely different race than anything I’ve ever done,” the daughter of Johnny Unser said, “and I could not be more excited to make the most of this opportunity. Of course it is a really special place for our family, and I am really grateful to have the chance to compete there this month. I know I will be learning so much in a short period of time, but I hope all the preparation and tips from my family pay off!”
While she is the sole female competing in the Trophy division in 2022, she’s not the first woman in the Unser family to take on the challenge of Pikes Peak. Jeri Unser, daughter of Bobby and his wife Norma, took rookie of the year honors in 1998 before winning the electric car division in 2003.
Louis Unser set a course record on the Peak in 1934, and the Unser clan added more successes as Al Unser, his brother Bobby, Al Unser Jr. and Robby Unser all accepted the challenge of conquering this tough road. In fact, an Unser claimed victory every year from 1958 through 1962, with Bobby setting new records before securing a fast time of 13:19.100 in an Arciero Bros. Racing Lotus 23 in 1964.
The Pikes Peak Hall of Fame acknowledged the racing feats of the Unser family, with both Louis and Bobby inducted in 1997. Al Unser joined them in 2020. While Loni is attacking the Trophy division victory for a first time, since she’ll be piloting the Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport, a machine introduced last fall at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Ms Unser is one of 17 Porsche drivers eligible for the Bergmeister Award, presented to the fastest overall Porsche regardless of division, along with a $1,000 donation to the charity of their choice.
Practice and qualifying begin on Tuesday, June 21st, leading up to the race that Sunday. It’s a long day for the racers, with the 100th running of the PPIHC starting at 7:30am Mountain Daylight Time. It’s one car after another as each one vies to make it to the top. Mobil 1’s Facebook coverage starts at 7am MDT and live timing is available at PPIHC.org.
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