Melissa Eickoff, CEO-Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

America's second oldest motorsports event, behind the Indianapolis 500, is our own, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb each summer in El Paso and Teller Counties. 

From the marketing genius of Spencer Penrose more than 102 years ago, was birthed an idea to attract more people to the Pikes Peak region who had not ever experienced the wild and beautiful landscapes of the Front Range and the merging community of Colorado Springs. 

More than a century later participants from all over the world use this one of a kind proving ground to test new mechanical, materials, and safety technologies, driver endurance, and of course claim the title of Time King of the Mountain in the Race to the Clouds. 

Chief executive officer, Melissa Eickoff, a long time motorsports marketing executive was tapped to take the Grand Turismo event to a new generation of drivers, teams, and fans. Listen in as Melissa explains some of the unique features of this race, one being the logistical complexities of what is basically a "pop-up" event (no permanent infrastructure like a normal motor speedway) and coordinating an army of volunteers, and a several weeks long event that results in one of motorsports most spectacular events all year long. Learn what this unique event brings to the region from an economic stand point and how it is a marketing draw for audiences around the world to visit our region with modern media solutions.

Website: https://PPIHC.org