Two-time class winner Stephan Verdier was selected to pilot the Subaru of Las Vegas, powered by Crawford Performance and protected by Motul Zenkai Motorsports Race Car during the 89th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

This race is not just a battle against the clock and other competitors, breathing itself becomes a struggle as the oxygen level is dramatically reduced at the 14,110 foot summit. For 12.42 miles, nearly 200 entrants would negotiate the 156 turn course, trying to reach the summit fastest.

With each passing car and fuel stop, curious people took photos and asked questions about the car, the team’s upcoming hill climb attempt and express their appreciation of such a unique creation. Many transit photos were shot from passersby, reiterating the one of a kind nature of the Zenkai Motorsports race vehicle.

Sunday morning following the team’s arrival in Colorado Springs was one of the least hectic days of the week. Team members unloaded, then cataloged equipment, supplies and spare parts to be used throughout the week.

Following the long drive, the team was ready to eat and get some rest, knowing the upcoming week will leave little time for either activity. This afternoon was also driver Stephan Verdier’s first look at the Subaru he would be taking up Pikes Peak in true Zenkai fashion.

Awaking Tuesday morning refreshed and ready to go, Zenkai Motorsports took their Crawford Performance powered Motul protected Subaru to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the event’s Technical Inspection. This was the first time other teams had a chance to see the magnificent automobile ZMRT brought to the competition. It was also the first time ZMRT members were able to check out the other cars in their class.

Also in line was course record holder Nobihiro “Monster” Tajima, Mr. Tajima took time to sign autographs for team members and pose for photos with his car, the Zenkai Motorsports car and driver Stephan Verdier.

With no issues requiring repair or adjustment brought up by the Technical Inspectors, Zenkai Motorsports was ready to load up the car, and take it back to their hotel to work on the tires. To get a better idea about the course for 2011, Mr. Verdier drove members of the team up Pikes Peak to check out track conditions and give first timers an idea of the extreme nature of this event. Discussions were held regarding the tread pattern that should be cut into each of the tires as well. With the gravel section shrinking each of the last few years, it is important to make sure the tires will provide quality traction through those unpaved miles.

After practice concluded, the team loaded up and headed back to the team pit outside of their hotel to make further adjustments on the vehicle’s set up.

2 am came quickly once again on Thursday for the Zenkai Motorsports team members, driving nearly to the summit for practice on the top section. Starting at Devil’s Playground, Stephan Verdier attacked the newly paved course on his way to the summit.

During one of the practice runs, some sand and gravel on the tarmac lead to the car heading off course. Fortunately for Zenkai Motorsports’ vehicle and driver, the car stayed on the mountain, suffering minor cosmetic damage on the front bumper and splitter.

Posting faster times on the last couple runs, the car and driver did not let the mountain shake their confidence.

Friday’s practice sessions ran on the lower section, from the start line to Glen Cove, the team was able to wait until 3am to leave for the hill. Used as a qualifying run, ZMRT was anxious to see how well they would do on the mixed surfaces of the first section.

Race day arrived, opting for the final starting slot, Stephan Verdier attacked the course behind the wheel of the Subaru of Las Vegas, powered by Crawford Performance, protected by Motul Zenkai Motorsports Subaru Impreza WRX STI. By the time he crossed the halfway point, Stephan was on pace to set a course record, with nearly a five minute flat time. Following the event, Mr. Verdier said, “It is up to the mountain whether or not you make it to the top. Today, it said no.”

Approximately two-thirds up the mountain, while heading into a sharp right hand turn at nearly 100 miles per hour, the tires hit some debris on the tarmac. The rear end of the vehicle washed out, slamming the bumper into hay bales and a guardrail, spinning the car and coming to a rest overlooking the valley below. Despite the damage done to the body of the vehicle, the engine still ran, before noticing a pair of damaged wheels, the Motul protected Crawford Performance built engine wanted to continue to the finish line.

Racing is a dangerous and unpredictable sport. Even with all of the wrecks that occurred over the weekend, no serious injuries were reported. Zenkai Motorsports is thankful that Stephan Verdier walked away from the accident.

Video of the accident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXEwC-7XmY8