In a repeat performance that cements Ford's electric vehicle dominance, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck has conquered America's Mountain. This powerhouse demonstrator, piloted by the legendary Romain Dumas, blazed past 60 competitors at the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, clocking a blistering time of 8:53.553.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Ford Performance. It's not just the back-to-back wins at Pikes Peak, but the sheer progression on display. Just days before the race, the SuperTruck obliterated the open class qualifying record with a scorching 3:32.831. This trounced the previous record (held by Ford's own SuperVan 4.2 in 2023) by a staggering seven seconds.
"This is a testament to the incredible dedication and expertise of our Ford Performance teams," says Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. "The learnings from Ford SuperVan 4.2 last year were instrumental, and this win proves the value of that experience." Rushbrook emphasizes that this is just the beginning, hinting at even more impressive feats to come.
The race itself wasn't without its challenges. Dumas encountered a technical gremlin mid-climb, forcing the SuperTruck to a complete stop. This added an estimated 26 seconds to his time – a significant hurdle considering his blistering qualifying run. However, Dumas, a seasoned veteran, masterfully reset the truck and continued his ascent, minimizing the lost time.
"This victory is truly an honor," says Dumas. "Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is unlike any other race – you get one shot, and the pressure is immense. The early challenge only fueled my determination to make up lost ground."
The SuperTruck's success is a story of collaboration. STARD (Stohl Advanced Research and Development) played a critical role in bringing this 1,600-horsepower beast to life. Safety was paramount, with top-of-the-line Sparco racing harnesses and bespoke Pirelli P-Zero tires ensuring stability on the treacherous mountain climb.
"This achievement wouldn't have been possible without a phenomenal team effort," says Sriram Pakkam, Formula 1 & high-performance EV manager for Ford Performance Motorsports. "From our aerodynamicists to the powertrain specialists, everyone played a crucial role. We meticulously focused on weight reduction while maximizing downforce, and the results speak for themselves."
The F-150 Lightning SuperTruck's victory is more than just a race win. It's a powerful statement about the future of electric vehicles. Ford is pushing the boundaries of electric performance, demonstrating that these machines can conquer not just the road, but the most challenging terrains imaginable. The electric revolution is here, and Ford is at the forefront, leaving a trail of lightning strikes in its wake.
