Optima Batteries, a leading battery manufacturer, is set to make a strong presence at the 101st running of the Pikes Peak hill climb. The company will be sponsoring a diverse range of vehicles, including the first-ever Rivian R1T, a bespoke Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition driven by Tanner Foust, the 2022 PPIHC winner Robin Shute, two-time PPIHC winner Rhys Millen, and James Clay in the BimmerWorld BMW E36 M3. These vehicles will be equipped with the high-performance OPTIMA ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium Quad-30 batteries.
Gardner Nichols, a Pikes Peak rookie, will be driving the G Autosport team’s Rivian R1T in the race. The modifications made to the R1T include necessary safety equipment and approved modifications, such as high-performance DOT-rated Pirelli tires. Nichols will be aiming to set a new Production Truck/Van record.
Although Nichols is new to the challenging 12.4-mile race with its 156 treacherous turns, he has considerable experience in high-performance driving. With four years of experience as a test driver for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and his current position as a senior performance test engineer at Rivian Automotive, Nichols brings valuable expertise to the race.
To enhance the performance of his Rivian R1T, Nichols will utilize two OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Batteries in addition to the factory 12-volt system. This setup will increase the available amp hours during the demanding race. OPTIMA Batteries will also support the charging of Nichols’ R1T and power the G Autosport team pit through the use of the OPTIMA Power Station portable charging trailer, which was introduced at the 2022 SEMA Show. The Power Station, designed specifically for EVs and other electrified vehicles, proves to be an ideal power and charging solution for the Pikes Peak race base.
In addition to sponsoring the Rivian R1T, OPTIMA Batteries will also support Tanner Foust and his bespoke Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition. Foust, a highly acclaimed rallycross driver, Formula Drift champion, and television star, has incorporated an OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Battery into his vehicle to enhance performance and reduce weight.
Robin Shute, the winner of the PPIHC in 2019, 2021, and 2022, will be returning this year with his Wolf TSC open-wheel car. Shute aims to secure another victory, and he will be relying on the power of an OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Battery.
Rhys Millen, a two-time PPIHC winner and son of the legendary five-time winner Rod Millen, will be competing in his 27th Race to the Clouds. Millen will be driving an all-new BMW 8 Series equipped with an OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Battery.
James Clay, founder of BimmerWorld, will be participating in the Race to the Clouds for the fifth time this year. Piloting his BimmerWorld BMW E36 “Bergsteiger” in the open category, Clay will utilize an OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Battery, marking the first time he incorporates this advanced battery technology into his vehicle.
OPTIMA Batteries’ sponsorship of multiple vehicles and their cutting-edge battery technology highlights their commitment to performance and reliability in demanding racing conditions. The 101st Pikes Peak race is set to be an exciting event with a diverse range of vehicles powered by OPTIMA batteries, aiming to conquer the challenging mountain course.
