Rhys Millen Snatched World Record at Pikes Peak

Rhys Millen, driving Racing Red Bull's Hyundai Genesis Coupe managed to beat the world record for the Time Attack 2WD challenge. Rhys Millen is a veteran at Pikes Peak after taking part in the event for no less than 17 times. On July 19, in the 87th edition of the Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event, the New Zealander achieved his ninth overall class title.

Millen drove the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and completed the challenging 156-turn hill climb stage in 12:09.397 setting a new record in its class. He was 1 minute and 23 seconds faster than his closest rival in the rear-wheel-drive Time Attack division. The winner, who reached the finish line with both rear tires down to the steel belts, said he was very pleased with how the car handled through the high altitude, terrain changing course.

Rhys Millen succeeded in improving his own record at Pikes Peak of 12:31.610 by 22 seconds. Millen is a proven professional driver with more the 16 years of racing experience during which he successfully participated in multiple drifting championships and numerous movie stunts, including the recent New Year's Eve Las Vegas truck flip.  He also won the Formula Drift championship in 2005 and the Red Bull Drifting World Championship in 2008.

This 87th annual edition of Pikes Peak Hill Climb hosted 11 classes entering the famed competition including semi-truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro truck, 2wd, 4wd and several motorcycle classes that totaled about 200 competitors.

The second record breaking success was recorded in the Motorcycle Quad 450 category, as Michael Coburn rode his 2008 Honda 450 in a time of 12:18.858.