Climb To The Clouds Auto Hillclimb,

About the event

The Mt. Washington Hillclimb is known as the Climb to the Clouds — a thrilling car race from the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the 6,288’ summit. The Sports Car Club of New Hampshire is the sanctioning body of this event.

The race has a three-day format, with practice runs on half of the mountain on Friday and Saturday morning. The practice location on either the lower half or the upper half of the mountain depends on the weather.

On race day, Sunday August 9, each competitor makes two full runs of the technical, steep, and winding mountain road — once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. The field of 80 cars leave the starting line one minute apart from each other to tackle the 7.6 mile Auto Road.

The Auto Road is the oldest man-made attraction in the United States, and is driven by approximately 50k recreational vehicles each year. Today, it typically takes a car and driver about 30 minutes to reach the summit — this race is a rare chance to see extreme drivers test their mettle on this extraordinary terrain.

This road is such a challenge. It’s probably the toughest road to drive flat-out in the world.

— Travis Pastrana, following his record-setting drive July 9, 2017

Also known as the “Climb to the Clouds”, the Mt. Washington Hillclimb is the oldest automotive Hillclimb in North America. First run in July 1904, it took place seven years before the first 500 mile race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and twelve years prior to the inaugural Pikes Peak Hillclimb in Colorado. The Climb to the Clouds was run sporadically from 1904-1961, then not again until 1990 when it was run consistently until 2001.

Following a ten-year hiatus, the Mt. Washington Hillclimb returned in 2011 in support of the 150th anniversary celebration of the Mt. Washington Auto Road, which first opened on August 8, 1861. Since the 2011 event, the Hillclimb has taken place in 2014 and 2017.

In 2021, around 2,500 spectators watched as history was made when Pastrana blasted his 2017 speed record (5 minutes and 44 seconds), making his way up the steep, windy Mt. Washington Auto Road with a jaw dropping time of 5 minutes and 28.67 seconds. For anyone who has driven the road this is an almost unfathomable feat!

With plenty of action from start to finish, spectators of this race will enjoy thrilling race action and views on the steep, curvy, and picturesque Mt. Washington Auto Road.

Why should you sponsor?

The Climb to the Clouds has embodied automotive adventure and performance for over a century. Predating Pikes Peak and the Indy 500, this historic event captivates racers and enthusiasts alike.  From a daring ascent to Mt. Washington's peak to a trsdition attracting top-tier drivers, the Climb to the Clouds boasts a rich history in progressing automotive technology and triumph against the elements.

Aligning your brand with the Climb to the Clouds offers a unique opportunity.  The storied history resonates with consumers seeking excitment and adventure.  Whether through sponsorship, collaborative events, or immersive campaigns, the Climb to the Clouds provides a platform to engage with audiences, fostering lasting brand recognition and loyalty.

Don Bilger

My name is Don Bilger and I am the Events Manager at the Mt. Washington Auto Road.  As a previous owner of two hotels and a restaurant, I know the value of partnering with the right event and this event is one of the most popular events in all of New England and is located at what many consider the most scenic summit in all of the Eastern US.  Please feel free to reach out to me by email at *****@****.*** or by phone at 603-466-3988, ext. 141.        

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