Press Releases
NOBUHIRO ‘MONSTER’ TAJIMA TAKES OVERALL WIN
Race-prepped Suzuki SX4 Sport’s Run Propelled by Rain, Lightning
PIKES PEAK, CO (July 19, 2009) – Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima and his supporting Monster Sport cast returned to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb this weekend with the same goal as in 2008: beat the competition up the mountain, and beat the mountain with a time of under ten minutes.
As the Peak’s undisputed King of the Hill, Mr. Tajima has been without peer in his most recent, record-breaking performances. With his record time of 10 minutes, 1.408 seconds posted in 2007, Tajima and his team broke a Pikes Peak mark in the books since 1994. A Pikes Peak competitor since 1988, Monster recorded his first class win in 1993, and took his first overall title in 1995 aboard a twin-engined Escudo (Vitara in the States).
Despite missing his goal – the ten-minute barrier – as well as his record time of 2007, Monster was clearly dominant in the Unlimited division, besting the second place team – with his time of 10 minutes, 15.368 seconds – by 1:13. The Open Wheel class victory went to Paul Dallenbach, finishing with the day’s second best time of 10:52.097. This year marks the 4th consecutive overall win for Tajima and his team.
Monster’s Hillclimb Special – featuring a steel space frame, along with carbon and Kevlar composite bodywork – is modeled after Suzuki’s own dual-sport, the SX4 Crossover. Monster’s Special proves far more capable on the mountain, while the civilian variant continues to boast an innovative all-wheel drive platform and America’s #1 warranty.
Monster’s win capped a weekend of success for Suzuki-mounted competitors. Suzuki’s Rockstar Makita teams took overall wins in both the 450 and 250 classes in Millville, Minnesota, while the Suzuki ATV team took the top podium spot in Armagh, Pennsylvania.
For overall results from this week’s efforts, go http://www.monster-sport.com/ppihc/e/report/.
About Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.,-based Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 400 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle, and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2008, SMC sold more than 2 million new cars and trucks and more than 3.5 million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 196 countries. For more information, visit www.media.suzuki.com.
Media Contacts:
Jeff Holland,– jeff.holland@suz.com 714-996-7040, ext. 2464
David Boldt – david.boldt@suz.com 714-996-7040, ext. 2464
Specifications - Monster Sport SX4 Hillclimb Special
Base model
SUZUKI SX4
Frame
Steel space frame
Cowl & wing
Carbon and Kevlar composite
Engine model and Capacity
H27A, 2736cc, 2turbo
Maximum horsepower (Net)
885ps/8750r.p.m
Maximum torque (Net)
90.5kg-m/6250r.p.m
Gearbox
Sequential 6-speed
Differential
Front/Rear: Hydraulic Controlled ,Center: Mechanical multi plate
Race weight (without driver, fuel)
1120kg
Dimensions (without front and rear wing)
L5300xW1960xH1500mm
Wheelbase
2818mm
Tire size
285/60R18
Wheel size
18 x 11J