For a third year, I’ve worked with Jeff Zwart to capture his race up Pikes Peak.
I feel like the third time is the charm. In the years past we’ve told stories of the mountain and getting to the mountain – this year its about the experience of racing it. The first year I directed a Pikes Peak film with Jeff Zwart was 2010. Pikes Peak was still mixed gravel and pavement and the 10 minute barrier still stood. Thinking about my personal experience at Pikes Peak I’m lucky to have been there to witness the road with dirt. It was a different road, driver’s could pick their line through a wider section of road and the rally style being pitched sideways through one of the mountain’s corners is one of the coolest things to see and film.
Skipping 2012 due to work conflicts, Jeff and I both made our return to Pikes this year and found a different road. The competition has changed and the road is so fast. Driving the highway as a tourist its hard to imagine drivers hitting triple digit speeds while my rental car gasps for air at 45mph. Hopefully this film captures the essence of Jeff’s Porsche GT3 Cup Hill Climb Special. It is an incredible machine, a skilled driver, all on a challenging road in a race to the clouds.