KING OF THE MOUNTAIN SCHRANZ CHASING BACK-TO-BACK TITLES AT PIKES PEAK

Player Management International Media Release

Colorado Springs, CO (June 22, 2013) – 2013 marks the 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, one of the most challenging, breathtaking races in the world.  2012 Stock Car Champion, Layne Schranz, plays well the role of King of the Mountain and is preparing to make his 20th trek up the sometimes humbling ‘hill’ referred to as America’s Mountain.  This year, however, the view out of Schranz’s #7 GEICO Chevrolet windshield will be more crowded than it was a year ago.  After dominating the Stock Car division a year ago, the Colorado native has opted to jump to the Pikes Peak Open Division where he is sure to find all the competition he can handle. 

This year’s ‘Peak Week’ begins on Monday, June 24th, and nearly 200 competitors from all over the world will converge on the Colorado Springs area for the beginning of practice.  Most interesting, Layne will be competing against his father Randy for the first time ever.  Randy Schranz was the 2011 Pikes Peak Open Division Champion and most likely will lend very little latitude to his son who now finds himself chasing the same trophy.  This family drama will play itself out on Sunday, June 30th, when father and son both take to the mountain to make a claim for what both believe is theirs. 

In 2012, Schranz and his GEICO team dominated the event from start to finish.  His name appeared at the top of the speed chart at the conclusion of each practice session and he moved with ease through the opening phases of the week.  Soon after, in qualifying, Schranz turned heads when he went on to shatter the previous course record when he hustled up the 14,110-foot mountain in a brief 4:18.966, easily placing his GEICO car at the top of the chart and firing a warning shot through the field of competitors.  The race showed no variance from practice and qualifying and Schranz completed his high-speed journey up Pikes Peak in just 4:21.290, setting a race record and earning the title ‘King of the Mountain’.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Schranz has made his home in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2001.  He was the 1997 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Rookie of the Year and has visited the podium in eight of the last nine years. 

“I’m looking forward to competing in the Pikes Peak Open division this year. The team has been working very hard to prepare the #7 GEICO Chevrolet and our expectations are high,” Schranz said.  “Last year’s victory was a dream come true and we are excited to go after another win this year, especially in a larger division.  I think you have to always be focused on moving forward and getting bigger and better.”  He continued, “It’s my 20th run in the race and our fifth year with GEICO on-board. I am honored to have such a great company supporting our efforts and hope to deliver them another victory.  There hasn’t been a day in the last year that I didn’t think about returning to the Winner’s Circle; it’s why I’m here and our only goal.”

Once the mountain gets a respite from practice and qualifying, 30,000 people will descend upon downtown Colorado Springs for Fan Fest on Friday evening, June 28th, from 5 PM – 10 PM local time.  Schranz will be on-hand with his #7 GEICO Chevrolet to sign autographs, take photos and talk with fans.

The 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is on Sunday, June 30th, starting at 10 AM (EDT) with live race coverage being broadcast online at: www.RedBull.tv

This will be the fifth year that the GEICO Gecko will accompany Schranz up the 12.42-mile racecourse.  Since climbing aboard the #7 car of Schranz in 2009, GEICO has yet to finish lower than second, including a win in 2012.  Pikes Peak is the second oldest motorsports race in America and presents competitors with thin air and 156 twisting turns before arriving at the Summit.  What it also provides is the opportunity for Schranz to continue etching his name in the history books.

There is no other race like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which is why it attracts race crews from around the world that are willing to spend several hundred thousand dollars and months of preparation to compete for the right to be ‘King of the Mountain’.

For more information about Layne Schranz and the GEICO Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Racing program, please visit: www.LayneSchranz.com

Please also visit the official Layne Schranz Facebook page: www.facebook.com/layneschranzracing

For more information about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, please visit www.ppihc.com