Pikes Peak Hill Climb postponed because of Colorado wildfires

UPDATE As the Waldo Canyon fire approaches what may be containment in a few days, organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb have announced a new date for this year's race – Sunday, August 12, “barring any further threats to safety."

The race, originally scheduled for July 8, was postponed last week when the Waldo Canyon fire rounded the mountain and forced 32,000 people from their homes around Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak. The fire has so far destroyed almost 350 homes, claimed two lives and has been called the most destructive in the state's history.

“With the help and support of the City of Colorado Springs, the U.S. Forest Service, Pikes Peak – America's Mountain, and the numerous agencies dedicated to the safety of the public and the competitors, we are thrilled to be able to make this announcement," said Tom Osborne, Chairman of the PPIHC and President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Sports Corporation after a unanimous vote of the PPIHC Board at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon (July 3). “America's Mountain and Colorado Springs are ready to welcome everyone to the nation's second-oldest motor sports event."

06/30/12 Wildfires threatening the Colorado Springs, Colo., area have forced postponement of the 90th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which was scheduled for July 8. Organizers said they hope to stage the event later this summer. "We have been informed by the U.S. Forest Service that conditions are so extreme, along with the inability to forecast the future of the fire and with access to Pikes Peak in jeopardy that the agency can't permit the event to go as scheduled," said Tom Osborne, event chairman of the board and president and CEO of the Colorado Springs Sports Corp.