– Racing legend in Audi Sport quattro S1 for Race to the Clouds
– Autograph session with Röhrl at Audi stand at Techno Classica in Essen
25 years after Walter Röhrl drifted up Pikes Peak in the Audi Sport quattro S1 and set a record that still stands today, the two greats will be reuniting in 2012. On July 8, Röhrl will be driving in the famous hill climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds, for the second time. Spectators in the U.S. state of Colorado will be able to relive a milestone in the history of Audi Sport when the Rally Driver of the Century takes the wheel of the original Audi Sport quattro S1. Beginning today, Audi Tradition is providing a foretaste of the famous hill climb at Techno Classica, the world’s largest trade show for classic cars, in Essen. Walter Röhrl will also be on hand for an autograph session.
On July 11, 1987, rally legend Walter Röhrl stepped on the accelerator of the nearly 600 hp Audi Sport quattro S1 and climbed the mountain in just 10 minutes and 48 seconds. No driver had ever been faster up the unpaved dirt road. It was a milestone in the history of the oldest hill climb in the United States and also a milestone for Audi. Faster times were recorded later, but only after paving of the course, which has now been completed, had begun.
25 years after his victory, Walter Röhrl is taking the “Monster” up the mountain for the second time on July 8. Not under race conditions this time, but it will still be challenging enough. The course snakes through 150 curves over nearly 20 kilometres and finishes at the 4,301 metre summit.
Those who are unable to attend in July have an opportunity to get a feel for the famous race at Techno Classica, the world’s largest classic car show, which opens today in Essen. Audi Tradition, the corporate history department at AUDI AG, is presenting winning hill climb cars at a 700 square metre stand in Hall 7. The highlight is the Audi Sport quattro S1 “Pikes Peak.”
But not only the original rally car will be on display, the champion himself will also be there. Walter Röhrl will be at the Audi stand for an exclusive autograph session on Sunday, March 25. Racing enthusiasts and Audi fans will have the opportunity to get to know the rally legend from 2.00 to 3.00 p.m.