COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Just five days away from the start of the 97th running of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Chris Fillmore – the fastest rider in Pikes Peak history – is READY TO RACE on Sunday, June 30, as he aims to become the first triple record holder on America’s Mountain.
Fillmore currently holds Heavyweight and Middleweight titles on Pikes Peak (9:49.625) 2017 aboard the KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R and (10:04.038) 2018 on the KTM 790 DUKE, respectively, and is hoping to add the Lightweight Division trophy this year aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.
Fillmore got off to a great start for 2019 as he qualified first in the Lightweight division and fourth outright in Tuesday morning’s session, pitting KTM’s former AMA Pro Supermoto and AMA Superbike factory racer alongside fast company with the event’s most elite Heavyweight and Middleweight competitors.
Chris Fillmore: “For me, this year is an all-new challenge and a very rewarding experience with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. These days, I don’t get to compete too much and I look forward to lining up at this event. There’s nothing like competing, it’s hard to replicate the feeling that comes from it and I’m just happy for the experience and thankful to KTM and each of the sponsors who allow me to do this.
As far as Pikes Peak, I feel like I’ve attacked the mountain kind-of backwards as far as classes and learning curves go [starting in the Heavyweight division on a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R] but this year it’s back to my roots – Supermoto is where I got started in my professional racing career – and it’s nostalgic to be on this bike. It’s been an enjoyable process working with KTM’s Factory Racing department, just learning the capability of the motorcycle, testing parts and preparing for the event. I’m really looking forward to racing up the mountain for the third time this Sunday.”
A special thanks goes out to all the sponsors who have helped make this event possible, including Bell Powersports, WP Suspension, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Motorex, Alpinestars, Troy Lee Designs, Metzler Tires, Hinson Clutch Components, Moto-Master Brakes Systems, Renthal Moto, Acerbis and KTM PowerParts.
For information on the 97th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, including how to purchase tickets or follow the event live, please visit the official website at http://ppihc.org.
