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Corkscrew Hillclimb Sets New Benchmarks In Third Year At Monterey
The third annual Corkscrew Hillclimb took place during the 2024 Monterey Pre-Reunion, setting new records and drawing significant attention from legendary drivers eager to prove their mettle on the iconic turn. This year’s event marked the North American dynamic debut of the 2022 McMurtry Spéirling and the return of the 2024 Drako GTE with professional racer Andy Pilgrim behind the wheel, further solidifying the impressive performance of electric vehicles.
Fans were also thrilled by the appearance of a new crowd favorite, the brand-new Case IH Steiger 620 Quadtrac tractor, which brought a unique and entertaining twist to the competition. A new Corkscrew Hillclimb record was clearly inevitable after the McMurtry’s first practice run with Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Max Chilton at the helm. The center-cockpit Spéirling launched toward turn 11 for the hard right-hander with such quickness that spectators stood nearly speechless.
While the McMurtry was the clear leader of the group, second and third places were tightly contested. The top three in the shootout were:
| Position | Vehicle | Driver | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2022 McMurtry Spéirling | Max Chilton | 21.958 |
| 2nd | 1967 Ford Falcon | Martin Lauber | 29.004 |
| 3rd | 2022 Ferrari SF90 | Christine Sloss | 29.822 |
The previous record was held by Chris Locke in his 1976 Lotus Type 77 Formula One car that set the fastest time in 2023 with a 34.69 time. While the McMurtry shattered the record, the starting line was slightly farther back in 2023 making an identical comparison difficult.
The Corkscrew Hillclimb always brings out competitive spirit in drivers. Though the Case tractor was cruising at a top speed that didn’t even make the timing sheet, driver Jonathan Merrill quipped, "It was a blast to bring the tractor out for its Laguna Seca debut and to see fan reactions was worth it." He added, "Thank you Sonsray Machinery for providing the tractor and transportation for this event. We couldn’t have done it without them."
The inaugural event saw Pixar’s loveable character Doc Hudson take on the challenge, along with professional drifting driver Matt Field, who wowed spectators with clouds of tire smoke. The 2023 edition featured an off-road dune buggy from track agriculture sponsor Tanimura & Antle, which barely kept more than two wheels on the ground at any point.
A Weekend of Motorsport Excitement
This year it was a large and advanced tractor used at Merrill Farms that captured fans' enthusiasm and delight. Since its inception in 2022, Hillclimb has attracted serious competitors and vehicles entered purely for exhibition and entertainment.
The weekend served as an official opening for Monterey Car Week. The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion is now up with more than 400 authentic historic race cars invited to compete from August 14-17.
Tickets are available by calling (831) 242-8200 or online at WeatherTechRaceway.com.
The WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned motorsport facility located in Monterey, California. Nestled among scenic hills, it has a rich history of hosting premier racing events, making it a favorite destination for motorsport enthusiasts from around the world.
The track features challenging turns and elevation changes including the world-famous Corkscrew, providing a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is committed to delivering top-tier racing and entertainment experiences year after year.
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