SPRING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its mission to support the love of driving, through innovative products and incredible racing experiences, Mobil 1™, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, returns to the 101st Running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, brought to you by Gran Turismo. Mobil 1 remains the top motor oil brand to compete in the iconic hill climb, with more than 84 wins since its first victory in 1923 with Louis Unser using conventional Mobil oil™ lubricants. This year, Mobil 1 lubricant technology will protect the cars of multiple drivers competing in the hill climb – including Jeff Zwart and Loni Unser, as well as Can Ingram with Road Scholars and Tanner Foust in the Radford Type 62-2. This is all in addition to supporting Lia Block’s tribute run in the iconic “Hoonipigasus,” as she pilots the purpose-built, twin-turbo, 1,400 horsepower Porsche up the mountain on June 25, in honor of her father, a professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division, the late Ken Block.
In anticipation of her one-off run up the mountain in this special car, Lia Block shared her excitement via social media, stating: “This June I’ll be making a tribute run at the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the #Hoonipigasus. I am stoked to be going up the mountain in this crazy build (even though it’s not a timed run), and getting my feet wet on the legendary mountain! Perhaps just warming up for a future run…? And of course, a big thanks to @mobil1 for making this all possible.”
The Hoonipigasus was designed to tackle the unique rigors of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Its name is inspired by the three iconic brands that helped make it a reality, all with significant history in the hill climb: Hoonigan, Porsche, and Mobil 1. Together with the specialists at BBi Autosport, these teams united to create the Hoonipigasus last year for Ken Block to compete in the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Due to unforeseen mechanical circumstances, followed by the tragic passing of the late Ken Block, the Hoonipigasus was never able to complete its intended run up Pikes Peak with Ken Block at the wheel. However, on June 25, Lia Block will drive the Hoonipigasus up the mountain it was designed to tackle, helping this story come full circle, in a historic tribute run.
“At Mobil 1, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is part of our DNA,” shares Ryan Allen, Brand & Partnerships Manager of North America, on behalf of Mobil 1. “The Hoonipigasus is a manifestation of our passion for the race, and to now support Lia’s tribute run up the mountain in this special vehicle, we hope to honor the Block family and all their incredible contributions to this sport, while celebrating the love of driving that connects us all.”
Racing fans looking to tune-in and catch the thrilling moments of this year’s hill climb can stream the event live on Pikes Peak Live Presented by Mobil 1. Live coverage begins online on Sunday, June 25, kicking off with Lia Block’s tribute run in the Hoonipigasus, followed by the green flag drop at 7:30 a.m. for timed racing coverage.
To learn more about Mobil 1 and share in the love of driving, please follow along on social media via @mobil1racing.
About Mobil 1
Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, is a brand that has been trusted for more vehicle miles than any one of us sees in our lifetime. Designed to empower our love of driving, Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils – that means more time behind the wheel than under the hood. This technology allows Mobil 1 advanced synthetic motor oil to meet or exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops, all while providing exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Join us. For the love of driving.