Two-time World Rally champion Marcus Gronholm has conceded that he is unlikely to tackle the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year in what would have been his second outing in the event.
The 42-year-old Finn set the second-fastest overall time on the Colorado mountain last year at the wheel of a 850-hp Ford Fiesta prepared by Andreas Eriksson’s MSE organization.
“It’s a shame, but I don’t think the car can be built for Pikes Peak,” Gronholm said. “I enjoyed that last year; the car was really fun to drive with all that power.”
Gronholm could still head to the United States this year, however, after he was linked to an outing in the X Games rally competition in Los Angeles, July 29-Aug. 1. While the event’s selection committee has yet to discuss the matter, Gronholm said, “We have to see. I was invited before but didn’t go; it could be interesting. I’m thinking about it. Why not?”