Zero Motorcycles Fourth And Fifth In Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 100th Anniversary

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, teamed with their top dealer, Hollywood Electrics, to place fourth and fifth at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) June 26. The team rode two race-prepped Zero FXS motorcycles piloted by stars Mark Miller (#10) and Marcel Irnie (#174). Miller placed fourth among electric motorcycles, in a time of 11:20.448 for the 12.42-mile distance. Irnie placed fifth in a time of 11:31.326. The production-based Zero FXS models beat numerous custom race specials and gasoline-powered motorcycles at the event, as well as the only production car in the event (Tesla).

A Pikes Peak rookie, Mark Miller arrived with an extensive résumé that includes the “Fastest Lap by an American at the Isle of Man TT.” In addition to 11 years of Isle of Man TT racing with one first and three podium finishes, Mark has competed in the Macau Grand Prix 16 times and has finished on the podium 20 times (one win) in AMA Pro National Road Racing. “It was a good day,” said Miller, who experienced a brief crash that cost him 10 seconds and cost him a podium finish before he was able to remount. “The wet and freezing conditions were challenging. But I want to thank Hollywood Electrics and Zero Motorcycles for the opportunity. The bikes worked great.”

Irnie and Miller rode all new Zero FXS race-prepped machines with exclusive performance parts by Hollywood Electrics. The bikes boast an incredible 70 ft-lb of torque yet weigh less than 300 pounds. Made in Santa Cruz, California, these electric motorcycles are able to deliver consistent performance at any altitude, unaffected by the thin air that wreaks havoc on the fuel mixture of their internal combustion powered counterparts.

“We’re happy that we shattered our previous production electric motorcycle record by nearly 40 seconds, and that our riders made it home safely despite treacherous course conditions,” said Team Owner Harlan Flagg of Hollywood Electrics Racing. “Pikes Peak is an incredibly challenging course. This year 20% of all competitors did not finish the race, yet in our four years of participation, fielding 12 entries on Zeros, every one finished—without a single mechanical problem.” The team won the electric production class in 2013, 2014 and 2015. “If these bikes can successfully negotiate the gauntlet of Pikes Peak, they can easily meet the needs of everyday riders, as our customers all over the world already know.”

“We’re proud to have joined with Hollywood Electrics and fielded such a powerful team,” said Todd Andersen, Zero Motorcycles head of Global Sales, Marketing and After-Sales. “The race is a perfect showcase for our technology. With their phenomenal torque and acceleration, Zero electric motorcycles are ideally suited to the Race to the Clouds.”

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo, began in 1916. This year marks the 100th Anniversary and 94th Running of the “Race to the Clouds,” the second oldest motorsports race in America. The PPIHCis a long-standing tradition in the Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak regions. The race begins at 9,390 feet, has 156 turns, and ends at the 14,115-foot summit.