History of the Climb to the Clouds Race (continued)

Over the years, the Climb to the Clouds has had a sporadic life as it grew to include a very broad range of vehicles. The event was held off and on with the longest consecutive stretch running from 1990 until 2001. Many well-known drivers competed and won the event such as "Cannonball" Baker in 1928 & 1932 and Carroll Shelby in 1956. Driving a Franklin in 1928, Baker raced to an amazing time of 14:49.6 seconds. Carroll Shelby, driving a specially prepared Ferrari roadster, recorded a record run of 10:21.8 seconds on his way to victory in 1956. In 1961 "Wild Bill" Rutan driving a Porsche Carrera powered Volkswagen set a record with a time of 9:13.0 seconds that would stand for 29 years - until the return of the race in 1990 when Tim O'Neil driving a VW Rally Golf covered the course in 7 minutes 45 seconds.

From 1991 through 1998, the record went back and forth 5 times between Paul Choiniere of Shelburne, VT and Frank Sprongl of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Sprongl's 1998 time of 6 minutes 41.99 seconds now stands as the course record.

Jerry Driscoll of East Randolph, VT was the first driver to break the 100 mph barrier on the Mt. Washington Auto Road. In 1996 he was clocked going through the quarter mile "straightaway" at 103 mph. In 1997, on his 55th birthday, Jerry broke his record with a speed of 110 mph. Two years later he provided one of most memorable milestones in Climb to the Clouds history when he hit the incredible top speed of 113 mph! Jerry surpassed the 100 mph mark a forth time in 2001, the final year of the event, with a speed of 109 mph. Also in 2001, drivers Paul Choiniere of Shelburne, VT and Dan Rutan of Centerbrook, CT joined Jerry as the only drivers to break the 100 mph mark on the Auto Road having hit 108 mph and 104 mph respectively.

The race as a full blown Hillclimb was held for the last time in 2001. Paul Choiniere won his fifth Climb to the Clouds in a time of 4 minutes 59.73 seconds on a weather-shortened course. After driving his 500 hp methanol burning all wheel drive Hyundai Tiburon, Choiniere said, "If we were running the full course, I know I would have set a record." Those who were at the race to witness his run didn't doubt him.

The Climb to the Clouds Centennial Celebration was held over July 9-12, 2004 with the assistance of the VSCCA and the AACA.. With the emphasis on its history, the Vintage Car Hillclimb and a very impressive vintage car exhibition, we found tremendous interest and decided to continue the event as the Climb to the Clouds Vintage Hillclimb.

So, with the focus on vintage cars, we are pleased to once again present the Climb to the Clouds on an annual basis! Click here to be brought back to the home page and information about the event.

Click HERE to view the photo history or HERE to read about the history of the Auto Road.