---

June 2005

The Mini Sprint (a.k.a. Super Sprint in the Colorado Hill Climb Association) has been an on and off class the past eight years and is the smaller engine displacement class to the long running Open Wheel cars. Class limits require the cars be both normally aspirated and under 210ci displacement. Four cylinders and small V6s are the choice. Despite this limit Cook posted a 5:10 in Qualifying last year taking the MS fast qualifier and would have seeded third in Open Wheel.

“We came back in 2004 with the re institution of the MS class and looked hard at what it would take to beat Leonard’s record. We revised the engine package from 3.0L to 3.2 and did a few other tricks as well. I felt we had a shot at it last year- until the weather set in. While I was happy with the win it was really a mission to set the record as well as win. I’m confident that pending any weather issues or my own mistakes we can still do it.” As 2003 and 2004 CHCA Champion, Cook has taken a strangle hold on the record book posting six of the current course records with only Pikes Peak and Buena Vista waiting to fall. Most recently lowering his own record time at Temple Canyon a few weeks ago it’s hard to argue against his plans.

Asked about current road conditions based on his participation the past five years as well as recent testing Cook stresses that the current conditions make record runs doubly hard. “I was happy with qualifying last year, but it was still a couple ticks under Leonard’s time from my research. That means that the real work begins past Glen Cove. Leonard prefers the upper section where his motors really shine. Personally I like the challenge of the middle and the car’s well suited to this with a good balance of power and handling. I have to make time where I can.”

Does the asphalt help or hurt current competitors? “The lower section is definitely slower than it was when dirt. There is less road width despite the added grip. You really benefit there with some road racing experience. I think that I have one of the few shots left at a class record under the current conditions. There are simply not going to be any sub ten minute runs ever with the current mix of surfaces.”

As Cook enters his second attempt at the class record he brings with him a backing both personal and financial from Goodyear, K&N and VP Fuels. Working with veteran racer and Crew Chief Gene Pacheco (who prepped wins for Gary Lee Kanawyer) and long time friend Barry Trester the group just clicks. “I’ve done this solo before and I can tell you that without the knowledge of Gene and commitment from him and Barry it would be hard to focus on the task at hand. Gene and I are on the same page and come to win.”

As one of many classes on Pikes Peak this year this one should be worth monitoring.

Gallery