From June 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011, The Pikes Peak Guy set out to capture a unique photograph of Pikes Peak every day for an entire year. His book 365 Days of Pikes Peak: The Journey is a culmination of those photographs at the stories of what it took to get that picture each day.

In 2010, Rickli set out to achieve her childhood dream of competing in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. On June 26, 2010, through perseverance and dedication, Rickli saw the checkered flag at the summit of Pikes Peak. She drove a 2003 MINI Cooper S through 156 turns over 12.42 miles in a time just shy of fourteen minutes. That year, Rickli became the youngest driver to finish the event in its storied history, and was awarded Rookie of the Year honors. Rickli returned to the event in 2011, and once again was able to cross the finish line.

Now, as The Pikes Peak Guy and Rickli both look towards their next step, they are proud to announce their partnership for the 2012 race season. The Pikes Peak Guy shares his feelings about the partnership, “I am extremely excited about getting involved with Savannah and her race team for the 2012 Pikes Peak Hill Climb for one simple reason- she is extraordinary!”

When The Pikes Peak Guy Press, publisher of the book series looked for ways to give back to extraordinary efforts and people in the Pikes Peak Region, they saw that Savannah exemplified what they were looking for. The sponsorship also helps to support several new products being released, including the softcover version of the book 365 Days of Pikes Peak: The Journey, and the 2013 Wall Calendar from the same body of work. These and other products will be available throughout the Pikes Peak region this spring – just in time for the race. The 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is July 8^th, 2012.

The Pikes Peak Guy and Rickli look forward to attending events, car shows, and book signings together throughout the spring and summer. Both will be sharing adventures through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter!

ISBN: 978-0-615-50376-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012930363

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 About Pikes Peak Guy Press:

The Pikes Peak Guy Press is a Small Press publishing company located in Woodland Park Colorado   specializing in regional works of art and literature that have a strong connection to the Pikes Peak region. The Pikes Peak Guy Press published its first book “365 Days of Pikes Peak: The Journey” from Author and Photographer “The Pikes Peak Guy” in the fall of 2011 and looks forward to many new release in 2012.
www.mypeak365.com

With over 200 years of mining experience between the company management and consulting team, Murphy Mining’s mission is to safely explore and profitably develop new and existing mining systems without adversely impacting the environment. By combining efficient and modern technology with the most economical mining and mineral processing methods.

As Rickli prepares for her third year at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, she states, “I cannot express how excited I am to have Murphy Mining on board for the 2012 race. Their support both on and off of the mountain last year was incredible, and I am looking forward to having them by my side again this year.”

Rickli, alongside driver Valentin Ivanitski, co-founded the Fingers Crossed Racing Team. Fingers Crossed Racing has been working hard on the build of Rickli’s 2012 Pikes Peak Car, a 1991 Audi quattro Coupe. Rickli says, “I have had so much fun doing so much work on this car. I cannot thank Valentin enough for sharing his knowledge and for all of his support.”

The 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be held on July 8, 2012. Drivers will be on the mountain the week prior to the event practicing and qualifying. The Time Attack division that Rickli will be competing is expected to be a full class. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb will host Fan Fest again this year on July 6, 2012. Fan Fest is a downtown Colorado Springs event where over 35,000 fans show up to support their favorite drivers, check out the cars, and enjoy a night of adrenaline.

Rickli was the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, when she became the youngest driver to finish the event. Rickli’s return to Pikes Peak in 2011 proved to be very successful, as she improved her time and saw the finish line again. In addition to her rally efforts on Pikes Peak, Rickli is pursuing a professional career in motorsports. In 2012 Rickli will be competing in professional sports car racing, with more news to be announced soon. Rickli’s other experience includes competition with the Sports Car Club of America and the National Auto Racing Association.

For more information:

www.savannahrickli.com

www.fingerscrossedracing.com

www.murphymining.com

www.ppihc.com

Rickli will be competing in the Time Attack division for 2012. Changes to her racing program in September temporarily threatened Rickli’s return to Pikes Peak, but nothing could keep this dedicated driver away from the mountain. In October, Rickli co-founded the Fingers Crossed Racing team with the primary goal of a return to Pikes Peak. Rickli and the FCR team will be building and preparing a 1991 Audi Coupe quattro for the event. The written and video blogs of the build project will be available online at www.mylifeatspeed.com

“Though the 2012 effort for Pikes Peak will look very different than the past two years, I could not be more excited. I have never been part of a build before, and I am looking forward to the learning opportunities. I know that the hard work and late nights will make crossing that finish line that much better. How many 18 year olds can say that they built the car that took them to 14,110 feet?”

The team looks forward to formally announcing sponsorship relationships as deals for the 2012 season become finalized.

Savannah Rickli raced to her second finish at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26^th 2011, proudly flying the colors of Murphy Mining and Exploration, a fully integrated mining and exploration company based in Cripple Creek, Colorado, almost literally on the slopes of Pikes Peak itself. At Fan Fest, a celebration of the Hill Climb held in downtown Colorado Springs that attracts over 35 000 fans, company president and CEO Shannon Murphy, proudly announced that the 2011 Pikes Peak Hill Climb was the beginning of the companies association with Savannah Rickli, a rising star in the racing community.

Savannah remarked “Having Murphy Mining and Exploration as one of the sponsors of my racing career and my Mini Cooper S is a true honor.  I think that Shannon has as much passion for this mountain and the surrounding area as I do, if for slightly different reasons. I have also been fortunate to be associated with the Murphy family as part of the Lift Up America events, and know we will be working together closely in the future”

The Power of Positive Mining, with over 200 years of mining experience between the company management and consulting team, Murphy Mining’s mission is to safely explore and profitably develop new and existing mining systems without adversely impacting the environment. By combining efficient and modern technology with the most economical mining and mineral processing methods, Murphy Mining and Exploration offers outstanding value for investors looking for returns in these difficult economic times.

www.murphymining.com

With just two days off after finishing her second successful event at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Savannah climbed aboard a flight, and headed to Boise ID. Savannah was recently named as official Ambassador of Compassion spokesperson for Lift Up America, and had been asked to address a group of program participants. The young people will be undergoing training to become Ambassadors of Compassion, and Savannah was able to share her inspiring story with almost 300 people, in the skybox at Boise State Stadium. It was an awesome experience.

The speakers at Lift Up America events are always inspirational, and so often the stories of the struggles they have overcome are very touching. It was an honor for Savannah to be included among some really renowned speakers who have achieved great things, or overcome great difficulties. The Boise event allowed Savannah to share her story of Labor, and how, through perseverance and hard work, she has been able to achieve her goals. The young folk always seem impressed with her courage and determination, and if the crowd around her after the event was any indication, they really related to her struggle to succeed. The video of Savannah in her race Mini racing up the most famous hill climb in the world shows what a skilled and determined young lady she is, and is always a highlight of the presentation. The cliff edges, sharp turns and challenging conditions reinforce how important team work and trust are between Savannah and her co-driver, Rebecca Greek.

Talking in front of large crowds can be very intimidating. Savannah works hard to prepare her speeches, and spends hours practicing and refining her presentation. She is becoming more at ease with each event, and is able to clearly communicate how much Labor goes into making her the young star that she is. She is always humble regarding her success, and is honest with the young people about the struggles and challenges that she faces when she straps on her helmet, and challenges the race course. Savannah is honored to be associated with such a great organization as Lift Up America.

Fortunately, the early arrival on Wednesday allowed for a few hours of fun, once all the preparation for the event was completed. Savannah and her manager, Grant Barclay, headed off to the local gokart track for a few challenge races. Typical racers, they have a few spare hours, and they head to the race track. The Fast Lane indoor track was a lot of fun, and the mentor and the student traded fast laps and winning races. There may even have been an incident or two involving karts in the tire wall, and bribes may have changed hands to protect the slow.

Savannah returned to Denver on Thursday morning, and immediately headed to High Plains Raceway near Byers, to partake in a test day driving a World Challenge Touring Car. Right back to work in the driver’s seat, Savannah was able to provide valuable feedback to the team, while learning the limits of an entirely new vehicle, and driving on Pirelli Slick Race rubber for the first time. Savannah did a sterling job, and after discussion with the team manager and owner, has been invited to Road Atlanta at the end of July to complete a second test weekend. Driving a Touring Car in World Challenge events is another goal along the path Savannah has chosen, and her management team is hard at work to raise the funds needed for her to participate in a limited number of Touring Car events in preparation for a full season, and attempt at Rookie of the Year, in 2012.

Savannah wants to thank those people who supported her recent trip to Boise, ID. The greater Lift Up America family has been outstanding in the assistance and support they have offered this young driver, and she appreciates everything they have done for her.

The 89^th running of the incredible and epic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) auto race, the second-oldest motorsports event in U.S.A. (only the Indianapolis 500 has enjoyed a longer tradition) will soon take place on June 26^th 2011. Within the very competitive Time Attack division, three of racing participants – Dave Kern in 4WD; Savannah Rickli and Ken Stouffer in 2WD will be campaigning Federal’s FZ-201 semi slick tire as Federal Tire expands our product offerings and marketing efforts in the U.S.

Brought to fame by a series of die-hard professional European and Japanese competitors back in the 80s and 90s, Pikes Peak has earned a global reputation as one of the world’s toughest highest-altitude road races. The 2011 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will encompass 11 classes, attracting 200 drivers competing on a 12.42 mile course, which means everyone of them will have a chance to experience a variety of road conditions on both paved and unpaved surfaces. With a race that begins at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of America’s Mountain, conditions can vary widely, ranging from sun, rain, sleet, and even snow! As unforgiving an environment as it is, the PPIHC attracts many thousands of spectators on race day, and over 35 000 fans attend FanFest on the Friday before the race. To truly accommodate such complex racing conditions, entrants and vehicles must be in top condition, and having a great set of tires will help ensure a safe and successful run up this awesome mountain!

Born with racing in her blood, Savannah Rickli is the youngest driver in history to finish the PPIHC, and was named Rookie of the Year 2010. Debuting the Federal 205/50/15 FZ-201 on her 2003 Mini Cooper S Hill Climb Special is a tremendous honor for Savannah and her team; Dave & Allison Kern, whose primary focus is on the PPIHC race, will be flying the Federal colors on their Mitsubishi Evo, and are hoping to break the Time Attack 4WD record they currently hold.

Ken Stouffer and his motivated Fatman Racing, competing on Federal tires, are looking forward to make a serious push, to better the second place finish in Time Attack 2WD, where they ranked last year. Ken is a competitive rider with more than twenty years in many forms of motorsports including drag racing, on and off road racing in cars, and on ATV’s.

Recent testing in preparation for the hill climb shows Federal FZ-201 semi slick had significant success in terms of the overall performance for precise cornering, exceptional grip, and responsive control at high speed. The Federal-shod trio was thrilled to run a tire which is able to meet any kind of demands they put on them, and sincerely feel that with a good set of tires on the car for the race day, they will in a better position to battle for wins in their classes.

Our ultimate goal of the weekend was to get two finishes. Those two finishes would complete the requirements for my SCCA National License. Although this was my first race at PPIR, I was fortunate enough to have conducted a private test day at PPIR a few weeks before, but I still had a lot of things about the track to learn. My competitors in class, Bob and Tommy Boileau, had quite a bit more experience at PPIR than I did. During the first few practice sessions, Bob and Tommy both were kind enough to let me follow them around to pick up their interpretation of the track. I cannot thank the two of them enough for their support throughout the weekend! On Saturday we finished the race second in the STU class. One finish down, one to go!

I was excited that I had reached the first part of our goal for the weekend, and was ready for Sunday. The weather was predicted to be cold and rainy all day Sunday. As the prepared car owner that he is, Grant had been sure to pack our rain tires. No matter what the Colorado weather blew our way, we were ready. The second biggest surprise of the weekend was that Sunday was actually better weather then Saturday. The sun was shining and the wind had finally calmed down. There had been a few changes to schedule, and we weren’t on track as much on Sunday as we had been on Saturday. I was really grateful for all of the track time on Saturday. I had been running in the 1:08′s on Saturday, and Grant and I had made it a goal to be running in the 1:07′s at some point on Sunday. I ran a practice session in the morning and headed out to the qualifying session. A few laps into the session I found some nice, open track and was able to throw down some fast times. I had a a Traqmate data system in the car, so I was able to see the lap times live. I’m usually pretty quite on the radio, Grant does all the talking. But, I radioed into him. “Grant, Traqmate may be lying, but I just ran a 1:06.” Grant said that he was sure it wasn’t lying because Traqmate and his stopwatch read the same time. After it became clear that I wasn’t going to find much more open track, I decided that I was happy with my 1:06 and brought the car into paddock to save the tires for the race.

Anxious to see if a 1:06 had officially been clocked, I got out of the car and headed over the timing and scoring. I said said that the lack of rain on Sunday was the second biggest

surprise of the weekend. The biggest surprise of the weekend had been that when the qualifying results were finally released, my name was at the top of the list. My 1:06 had taken me to my first Pole position. Some of the fastest cars had opted out of qualifying, but I was still ahead of the 22 other drivers who had qualified. The photo below was taken right after I showed

Grant the qualifying order results. I had a bit of time before the race. I enjoyed lunch with my parents, and chatted with Clay Turner, Pat Holmes and a few of the other drivers.

A well respected driver, Guy Ruse, had qualified in the second position. I was immensley grateful that he had taken the time to talk to me about preparing for the green flag; he passed on some very useful pole sitter knowledge.

Finally, it was race time. Though I was excited to be in the front of the pack, I knew very well that I had to get that second finish in. The green flag dropped and the race was on! After a very busy and eventful first few laps, all of the drivers found their own groove. Carol Barclay had the pit board out, and was showing me the lap numbers. Once I saw the 13 on that board, I knew we had reached our goal for the weekend. 13 was half of the laps, plus one. Half plus one is considered a finish, I had just earned my National License with the SCCA!

Then the fun started, I worked my way towards Tommy Boileau in the Vinson Acura, and we raced for half a dozen laps, changing the lead about 10 times, sometimes multiple times on the same lap. Tommy’s Acura is faster off the corners, and faster on the straights, and the Mini seems better under braking, and better in the turns. Rumor has it that the crowd of spectators on the roof of control were shouting and cheering as us kiddos (we both are 17) were racing with aggression, control, and trust. Unfortunately the oiling issues resurfaced in the Acura, so Tommy took a few laps in hot pits to try to get the problem solved. I then raced the final laps to the checkered flag.

I pulled back in paddock feeling excited, proud, and motivated for the rest of the season! It was very rewarding to see all of the off-season training pay off. It made me excited for the rest of season, and provided motivation to work that much harder towards my goals. Grant had said after the race, ” So almost 11 months to the day after first putting her in the Mini, she has earned her SCCA National License, earned her first pole position, and earned the respect of some of her fellow racers. Not sure who was more impressed and proud, Rickli parents, or Barclay substitute parents.” It’s true what they say, you’re team become your family.

I couldn’t of had such a succuessful weekend without the support of so many people. As I mentioned earlier, the Boileau family (pictured above) were very supportive and we had lots offun driving with each other on track. I am very grateful to all of the volunteer workers at the event. I’m thankful for all of the support from Pat Holmes who is always willing to share pointers on the track, to discuss things about the car with me, and who is always around with a smile on his face. Of course, thanks are to due to my parents, the best parents in the world. I was so glad they were there on Sunday to see what will be the first of many Pole Positions to come. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to team that has worked so hard to get me on track. To the Barclays, Grant and Carol, who are car owners/pit crew/ and support trackside. Grant and I have spent lots of days at the track working towards our goals!

Yeah, a fun weekend.


March 11, 2011

For Immediate Release

Savannah Rickli, Rookie of the Year Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2010, announces return to world’s most famous hill climb.

Savannah Rickli, the youngest ever driver to cross the finish line at the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, is proud to formally announce her entry into the 2011 event scheduled to be held on June 26^th 2011. Savannah was 16 years and 11 months old when she finished the PPIHC in 2010, and was awarded the prestigious “rookie of the year” award by event organizers. Rebecca Greek, one of the most respected co-drivers in North America, will once again partner with Savannah, guiding her up one of the most treacherous race courses in the world.

Savannah, now 17, from Littleton, Colorado, started racing at age 11 in a go-kart that she purchased using her own savings money. Born into a racing family, speed was always in her blood, and Savannah has pursued her dream of becoming a professional race car driver with a burning desire and deep passion. In the 11 months since Savannah signed a motorsports management contract with Grant Barclay and Mark Baer of SCR Management, her accomplishments have been literally amazing. Apart from her achievements racing at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, finishing 3^rd in Time Attack 2wd, Savannah has managed to work towards her SCCA National License; competed in a full season of Ice Racing; raced in SCCA Rally Cross Nationals; appeared as the one of the drivers featured by 9 News Denver during sweeps week; debuted her Mini Cooper S at the 2010 Denver Auto Show; and has managed to drive thousands of miles while training in her Rotax go-kart and race prepared Mini Cooper S.

The 2003 Mini Cooper S that Savannah Rickli races is owned and prepared by Built-By-Bones, a Fort Collins, CO race team. Support at events is provided by SCR Performance, a Loveland, CO business specializing in aftermarket and performance products for European car brands, both companies have supported Savannah since the start of her pro-racing career. Grant Barclay, Team Principal of Built-By-Bones, was quoted saying “Savannah has a sense of maturity and professionalism that I have not seen in many drivers in my 25 years of Pro Racing. Her dedication to being successful in motor sport is what first attracted my attention to this young lady, and when she expressed an interest in racing at Pikes Peak, I committed to help her in any way I could”. Barclay committed his race car and team, and brought along the many contacts acquired during a long career in racing. He and Mark Baer, president of SCR Performance, formed SCR Management to manage and market Savannah Rickli as she works her way to a full time professional driving contract.

Savannah and her team are still working on finalizing sponsorship deals for the 2011 season, but have already signed several new and existing sponsors to support the team.

DirtFish Rally School, Located in Snoqualmie, WA, Just 30 minutes from Seattle, provides training programs for rally drivers, from those new to rally driving right through to competitive racers. With the Pikes Peak Race course containing 2.5 miles of dirt road in 2011, Savannah enjoyed spending 3 days at Dirtfish in March training to improve her dirt driving skills. www.dirfish.com

Group4 Autosport, a leader in Aerodynamic performance parts for Mini’s and other Brands, is supporting Savannah and her team with development of parts specifically for Pikes Peak, including wings, canards, splitters and diffusers. Several of the Group4 Autosport Team will be in attendance at PPIHC 2011 and will have their products on display at FanFest on Friday June 24^th, in downtown Colorado Springs, on the Mini Cooper S Hill Climb Special. Mark Baer, one of Savannah’s managers, said “we are so excited to have a company like Group4Autosport sign up to be part of the team. Their support, helping Savannah build a reputation at PPIHC, has already shown results, with a substantial improvement in lap times of the race car”.www.group4autosport.com

MC2 – The independent magazine for all Mini owners. MC2 is a returning sponsor, and will be featuring Savannah and her Mini Cooper S hill Climb Special in several issues in 2011. Check out the Annual Racing Issue, Issue # 30 March 2011. Available through subscription, or at your local Mini Dealer, MC2 remains the best Mini-specific publication printed.www.MC2magazine.com

Race Central TV and Media is your home for everything motorsports. Kurt Hansen, host of Race Central, is one of Savannah’s original sponsors, and returns for the 2011 season. Race Central TV is seen in over 85 million households throughout the USA, and is also available online for download. In addition to the TV show, Kurt also hosts a weekly radio show on Denver’s Mile High Sports, FM 93.7.www.racecentalmedia.com

Lift Up America, a nonprofit humanitarian aid movement that provides hope and opportunities for success to the less fortunate by engaging today’s leaders and partnering with corporations, sports and entertainment, education, media, government, and nonprofit organizations. Through unique events that expand one’s worldview, Lift Up America provides life aid to help support the physical, emotional and personal development of the less fortunate, and challenges them to become ambassadors of compassion to help lift up their own communities and America. Savannah will be speaking at several events hosted by Lift Up America, and is excited to be involved with such an inspiring organization, she hopes to serve as an example of an athlete who works extremely hard to achieve her goals.www.liftupamerica.org

SCR Performance, a Loveland, CO aftermarket and performance product company that specializes in European Car brands like BMW, Audi, Porsche, Mini and Volkswagen. SCR Performance build high quality street, track and race vehicles, with the ability to provide track support for a variety of motor sport events. From something as simple as race alignments and corner balancing, to full arrive-and-drive, driver instruction programs, SCR Performance can help you improve your racing results. Our advice comes from having tried – and occasionally failed! – Solutions to the issues you may have with your car, or with your driving. www.scrperformance.com

Built-By-Bones, Ft Collins, CO is a Race Engineering and Fabrication company that designs, builds and supports race vehicles in many disciplines of racing, both on and off road. Experience in all forms of racing, winners of several National Championships, Built-By-Bones is truly a company with a history of on-time, on-spec, on budget successful projects.

Wattle and Daub contractors, a project management and construction company, founded in Torrington, WY (1978), is focused exclusively on historic building preservation, restoration and construction. Wattle and Daub specialize in restoration of important public buildings such as state capitols, courthouses, museums, theatres, churches and schools. Wattle and Daub President, Tom Tisthammer, was one of the very first patrons of Savannah’s career.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2011

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, PPIHC, is a world famous hill climb that will be held on June 26^th 2011. The 89^th running of the Event, also known as the Race to the Clouds, will attract automobile and motorcycle entrants from all over the world, to tackle the 156 turns over 12.4 miles of paved and dirt roads. The PPIHC is a weeklong celebration of speed and daring, with competitors spending the early part of the week practicing, qualifying and preparing their race machines. Fan-Fest in downtown Colorado Springs on the Friday Evening preceding the race attracts over 35000 fans to see the race cars, race bikes, and race trucks, and allows fans to mingle with their driving hero’s.

With only a couple of miles of unpaved road remaining on the race course, there is a strong possibility that the fabled 10:00 minute barrier may fall to one of the Unlimited Class Vehicles. The current record of 10:01.408 was set in 2007 By Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima.

Savannah Rickli

Savannah Rickli is a 17 year old from Littleton Colorado who has dreams of becoming a professional race car driver. Her family has been racing for decades, and they are long-time volunteers at PPIHC, , so Savannah was born with racing in her blood. Her desire and passion for racing has been evident since she was 11, and used her own savings money to purchase a racing go-kart. After 6 years of karting, Savannah moved to the road race ranks, while still managing to ice race, autocross, and rally-x. She has raced with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in the Super Touring Class, and will soon have enough experience for her National License. Savannah hopes to enter the Pro-Driving ranks through the World Challenge series, run by SCCA ProRacing.

Savannah graduated a semester early from high school, and is currently enrolled at Metro State College in Denver working towards a degree in Marketing. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends when she is not training as a race car driver.

Savannah and her Mini Cooper S Hill Climb Special, will be appearing at the unveiling of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb exhibit at Club Auto Colorado in Lakewood, CO, on March 17^th 2011, as part of the Celebration of the life of Danny Collins. www.lemaymuseum.org