RANGELY | The Canyon Pintado Hill Climb Race will make its debut in Rangely Sept. 7-9. The Hill Climb course is on Rio Blanco County Road 116, which boasts a set of six steep switchbacks over about two miles. Racers are sure to be tested on the tough track.
A Main Street parade will kick off the event on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday is for practice and qualifying with drivers aiming for four runs up the road, dependent on delays and accidents. Sunday is race day with two full runs up the road. Race start times are tentative but usually start at around 8 a.m. (gates open at 6 a.m.) on Saturday and 9 a.m. (gates open at 7 a.m.) on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, kids 12 and under are free.
County Road 116 can be accessed from Highway 139 heading south from Rangely. The race staging area is approximately five miles west on County Road 116.
The Colorado Hill Climb Association website provides a few tips, including suggesting spectators come prepared to spend the entire day at the event. With only a few breaks in the action there will be limited times when spectators are able to move freely on the race track. They suggest bringing plenty of food and water and being ready for all types of weather.
Hill climb races have a long history, with the first coordinated event taking place in France in 1897. The name very accurately describes the event as drivers attempt to mount the designated hill as quickly as possible.
By Jen Hill | [email protected]
