The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck electric vehicle demonstrator has achieved remarkable success at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, clocking an impressive time of 8:53.553, the fastest among 61 competitors. This victory highlights the significant advancements and capabilities of Ford's electric vehicle technology.
Just days before the main event, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck set a new qualifying record for the open class with a time of 3:32.831. This performance shattered the previous record of 3:39.939, set by the Ford Performance SuperVan 4.2 in 2023, by more than seven seconds. This achievement underscores the rapid progression and potential of Ford's electric vehicle program.
Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, praised the team's efforts: “The progression of Ford electric vehicles taking on and completing the toughest challenges is a major testament to the hard work and dedication our teams have put into the program. We learned a great deal from SuperVan 4.2 in last year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and were able to apply that knowledge to this year’s run. It’s onward and upward from here.”
Driver Romain Dumas faced a significant challenge during the climb. A technical issue forced him to come to a complete stop on the course, adding approximately 26 seconds to his time compared to his qualifying run. Demonstrating quick thinking and skill, Dumas reset the 1,600-horsepower F-150 Lightning SuperTruck and resumed the climb, ultimately securing the victory.
“I’m honored to achieve this victory with Ford Performance at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” Dumas said. “Everything about this event is a challenge because it is unlike any other form of racing—you only have one shot. We faced a challenge early on but that only gave me more determination to make up the lost time in the rest of the run.”
The construction and performance of the Ford Performance F-150 Lightning SuperTruck were the results of extensive collaboration and engineering prowess. STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development) played a pivotal role in developing the 1,600-horsepower truck. The vehicle was also equipped with top-tier Sparco racing harnesses and safety equipment, as well as bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tires, ensuring optimal stability and performance on the treacherous mountain roads.
“To achieve this amazing feat was no small effort,” said Sriram Pakkam, Formula 1 & high-performance EV manager at Ford Performance Motorsports. “This was a true team effort across the board from our super-talented aerodynamicists to our powertrain specialists. We also had to work as a team to sweat the details such as keeping the weight down while maximizing the downforce and I think the team did a fantastic job.”
The success at Pikes Peak is a significant milestone for Ford's electric vehicle program, showcasing the capabilities and potential of the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. This achievement not only sets new records but also paves the way for future advancements in electric vehicle technology and performance.
Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology is evident in their continuous pursuit of excellence. The lessons learned from each challenge and victory contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of their electric vehicle offerings.
As Ford continues to innovate and improve their electric vehicle technology, the future looks promising for both the company and the automotive industry as a whole. The triumph at Pikes Peak is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the entire Ford Performance team, and it sets the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
The Ford F-150 Lightning SuperTruck's success at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a clear indication that electric vehicles are not only viable but can also excel in some of the most demanding and prestigious motorsport events. This victory marks a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles, demonstrating their potential to redefine the future of automotive performance.
Want to keep up with all of the latest Ford news? Be sure to follow along on our blog. Plus, check out our available inventory online to see what we currently have available.