A LIFELONG dream is set to come true for a Coventry businessman who is gearing up to take on one of the world’s most famous motorsport events.
Jim Morris is preparing to compete in the 104th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs on Sunday (June 21).
Having spent the last four years building and preparing the ultimate Volkswagen Golf GTI for the challenge, Jim is aiming to challenge the front-wheel-drive record on the legendary mountain course.
Known as the ‘Race to the Clouds’, the event covers 12.42 miles and 156 turns as drivers climb to more than 14,000 feet above sea level.
‘Race to the Clouds’ – Jim has been busy testing on the mountain in Colorado Springs. Picture by Rupert Berrington.
An experienced racing driver with success in the UK and Europe, Jim will be making his first appearance at Pikes Peak, a challenge he has wanted to tackle since childhood.
He said: “Pikes Peak has been a dream of mine since I was young, so to be here preparing to take it on is incredibly special.
“It is a huge challenge, but I am proud to be flying the flag for Coventry and the wider Midlands with a project that reflects so much hard work, engineering expertise and support from businesses back home.”
Raised in Balsall Common and educated locally, Jim comes from a family with strong motorsport roots. His father, John Morris, was a well-known competitor in the British Saloon Car Championship during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Jim’s long association with the Volkswagen brand made the project a natural fit.
And his attempt brings together years of preparation, engineering excellence and support from businesses across the Midlands.
Jim owns and runs several motorsport-related businesses focused on safety, and the car reflects the wider Midlands manufacturing and engineering network.
Among the businesses he owns are Coventry-based Lifeline Fire and Safety Systems, Old Hall Performance and Grove Motorsport, as well as Lichfield-based SPA Design and Silverstone retailer Trident Racing Supplies.
The car, which produces more than 500 bhp, incorporates many of the products and engineering expertise developed across the group.
Jim has been busy testing on the mountain in Colorado Springs ahead of the event.
He is hoping to break the current front-wheel-drive record at Pikes Peak, which was set in 2018 by American driver Nick Robinson with a time of 10 minutes 48 seconds.
Jim is hoping to make his own mark on the event’s history.
