Bentley just followed up last year’s run in the Bentayga SUV.
The Bentley Continental GT W12, driven by Rhys Millen, completed the Pikes Peak course in 10:18.488. Car number #100 (the number was chosen to celebrate Bentley’s 100-years) beat the previous record by 8.4 seconds.
Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, says: “This new record once again proves that the spirit of endeavour and desire to push the boundaries of automotive performance remain at the beating heart of Bentley. It clearly demonstrates the Continental GT’s astonishing breadth of ability.”
Last year, the Bentley Bentayga claimed the Pikes Peak title for a production SUV. Once again, driven by Rhys Millen, the SUV completed the course in just 10:49.9. That’s nearly two full minutes better than the previous record.
[Photo: Bentley]
Millen, from the accomplished Millen race family from New Zealand, took home his third win from Pikes Peak. This is one of many wins. Millen is an accomplished Formula D, Supercar, Global Rally Cross and D1 Grand Prix racer.
Millen said after his record run: “”This is an amazing finish to a wet, snowy 2019 run at Pikes Peak! We came here with one goal in mind, and that was to be the fastest production car up the mountain and set a new record. It was an incredible week. Today was a challenge with what Mother Nature threw at us, but the Continental GT held strong all the way to the top, and we are now Number One”.
About the course
The Pikes Peak hill climb is the second oldest race held in the United States. It requires a rapid climb up nearly 5,000 feet – from 9,300 to 14,100 feet. The air density (which is 1/3 less than sea level) makes the 156 corners laborious for any internal combustion engined vehicle.
Sadly, it’s a treacherous race with several racers being seriously injured or killed. We lost motorcycle racer Carlin Dunne at this year’s race.
Congratulations to Bentley and Rhys Millen for a spectacular win.
Speaking of Bentley, check out our review of the Bentayga SUV below:
