The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is arguably among the coolest motorsport events held in the United States, asking drivers to race up the legendary 14,115-foot mountain while seeking the fastest times. With around 156 total turns over 12.42 miles and incredibly high speeds, crashes like French driver Bruce Jouanny‘s crash at this year’s race aren’t all that uncommon. Fortunately somehow Jouanny walked away from this one unharmed.
According to Jouanny’s own recount, there were no mechanical issues with the vehicle leading up to the accident. He explains that he knew the course very well, having tested on all 3 sections of the mountain and finishing 4th out of 18 cars in qualifications on the lower part of the mountain, where the crash wound up happening. Despite his previous comfort with the course, he managed to get confused on his location in the wrong moment while paying attention to his shift lights, leading to the crash.
Jouanny was racing in a Ligier JS2 R, a vehicle designed exclusively for racing. The vehicle features an FIA-homologated tubular chassis with fiberglass bodywork, weighing 1055 kg, or around 2325 pounds. It’s powered by a mid-mounted 350 hp Ford V6, paired with a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The car rides on double wishbone suspension and Brembo brakes, with a driver-focused cockpit suitable for tall drivers.
Jouanny began his career in single seaters, winning the Formula Palmer Audi Junior title before progressing through Formula Three and World Series by Nissan and Renault. He later moved into sports car racing, competing in LMP2 and LMP1 prototypes and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since stepping back from full-time racing, he has become a television personality presenting Top Gear France and working as a pit lane reporter for the World Endurance Championship.
The PPIHC is one of the oldest motorsports events in America, first held in 1916. Drivers climb from roughly 9,400 feet to the summit. Competitors race in classes ranging from motorcycles to electric vehicles to purpose-built race cars, and the thin air at altitude reduces engine power and tire grip, making the course one of the most demanding hill climbs in the world.