Crash at Pikes Peak Hill Climb highlights dangers of historic race
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pikes Peak Hill Climb lived up to its reputation as one of the world's most dangerous races. Patrick Culligan was involved in a crash and was airlifted to the hospital. While Culligan is reportedly stable, he broke his femur and pelvis. The accident highlights the dangers drivers face during the historic race.
Rob Holland, a 9-year veteran of the race, was unable to participate this year after crashing his car during practice runs in the same area as Culligan. They each crashed on the “Cog Cut” section of the mountain.
Holland's vehicle sustained severe damage during his accident. He called it the biggest crash of his career. Describing the impact, Holland said, “Every time I came down, I hit another boulder or, you know, and it was it literally every time you hit a boulder, it’s like hitting a brick wall again.”
Holland described the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as “one of, if not the most dangerous race in the world.”
Despite the significant risks and the visual evidence of past accidents, drivers continue to return to the race. When asked why, Holland said, “Stupidity. I don’t know, actually. We love the mountain. It’s a siren call. It literally is the most beautiful thing that we do every single year.”
Drivers acknowledge the inherent dangers of the event, recognizing the mountain itself as their primary competitor. Holland noted, “We recognize the dangers. And I think, you know, that’s the thing that makes us recognize how amazing the things that we do are.”
Holland has spoken with Culligan since his crash. Holland confirmed Culligan’s intent to return to racing, stating, “Not only is he coming back, I will tell you right now, he is probably in the hospital figuring out what car he is going to drive next year.”
Despite the crashes, Holland says he feels safe racing up the mountain again. He credits the Pikes Peak Hill Climb organization for making the race as safe as possible.
The full video of the crash is available on Holland's Instagram page, here.
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