Pikes Peak International Raceway Appoints President

The new owner of Pikes Peak International Raceway, LLC today announced Arden Weatherford as president of PPIR, responsible for overseeing all track operations and facility rentals.
Weatherford is a seasoned motorsports professional. In 1993, he renovated and redeveloped property near Aspen, CO, and formed the Aspen Racing and Sports Car Club, the first private motorsports club in the U.S. with its own track facility. His concept set a standard that today is popular within the motorsports industry. In 1999, Weatherford sold the club to its members.

Most recently, Weatherford imported the Formula Renault 2000 and Formula Renault Junior into the U.S. under the Fran-Am name.

“The track facility is a central component in developing a larger plan for PPIR," said John Molloy, CEO, Pikes Peak International Raceway, LLC. “Our concept to personalize the use of PPIR for private car owners, clubs, race teams and performance driving experiences requires us to put someone at the helm that is respected within the motorsports industry. Arden is a trusted resource to help us bring back the vitality once associated with PPIR," he said.

PPIR’s classic oval and road course are generating great interest from sports car, vintage car and motorcycle club-racing groups, according to Molloy. Already, Weatherford has secured more than a dozen club-racing organizations that plan to use the 1.3-mile road course and PPIR’s expansive lot for autocross events this fall. The National Auto Sports Association Rocky Mountain Region will be the first group to use the track since it closed in 2005. PPIR already is booked to serve as a venue for the National Corvette Convention in 2009, which expects to attract more than 2,000 Corvette owners from across the country to Colorado.

Clay Turner, board member, Sports Car Club of America-Continental Divide Region, said, "When PPIR closed, it meant a massive loss to motorsports clubs like the SCCA. Club racers, autocross and rally drivers all lost one of the finer venues in the nation. The re-opening of PPIR will be a massive shot in the arm to dozens of motorsports clubs, representing many types of racing and tens of thousands of racers, supporters and fans," he said.

For further information about track or facility rentals, contact 719.382.7223.