Pikes Peak Superstar Rhys Millen and the Magnificent Bentley Continental GT Are Coming to America’S Mountain with a Record Performance on the Menu
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Pikes Peak Superstar Rhys Millen and the magnificent Bentley Continental GT are coming to America’s Mountain with a record performance on the menu Colorado Springs-----Bentley Motors and Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb superstar Rhys Millen will return to America’s Mountain on June 30, determined to capture the Time Attack 2 Production record with the breathtaking 2019 Continental GT. Powered by the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder engine, the stunning Continental GT, with Millen behind the wheel, will attempt to set a new Time Attack 2 Production record in the Exhibition Division as they tackle the 12.42- mile, 156-turn course on Pikes Peak. Long time competitor David Donner holds the current TA2 Production record of 10:26.896, set in 2015 in a 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo. In 2018, Millen and Bentley targeted the Production SUV record, setting the current mark of 10:49.902 in a Bentley Bentayga SUV. “When I learned of Bentley’s plans to compete at Pikes Peak for a second time, the decision to work together again was an easy one. The Continental GT and its W12 provide us with the perfect platform to begin chasing a new record, and I am looking forward to once again being part of the Bentley Motorsport team that will prepare the car over the coming months,” said Millen. Crafted for effortless, exhilarating driving, the new Continental GT is built on an innovative chassis and electrical architecture, featuring a completely new 6.0 litre W12 engine and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, for smooth, fast and efficient gear changes. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds (0 to 100 km/h) and deliver a phenomenal top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h) with an amazing 626 hp, complimented by an advanced 48-volt roll control system for extraordinary dynamic ability. Twin-scroll turbochargers minimizing turbo response time coupled with high and low pressure direct fuel injection optimize power and torque delivery. “Bentley’s success last year along with the experience we gained will prove to be instrumental in preparing for our return to the mountain. The challenge to establish a new record for production cars is not one we underestimate, but we are confident in the combination of our W12 engine, the dynamic ability of the new Continental GT and the outstanding skill of Rhys Millen,” said Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush. With over 20 years of racing experience, Millen (Huntington Beach, CA) has carved out a solid career and reputation, becoming one of the most sought after performance drivers in the gigantic U.S. automotive scene. Millen, born in New Zealand in 1972, is the son of famed rally and off road racer Rod Millen, a Pikes Peak legend. Rhys joined Rod in the U.S. as a teenager and founded Rhys Millen Racing at the age of 21. RMR (Rhys Millen Racing) is an automotive tuning and parts shop concentrating on rally, drift and movie car preparation. Millen, making his 24th appearance on the Peak since his rookie debut in 1992 and triumph in the Pikes Peak Open Class, has won a dozen championships on the mountain and was named King of the Mountain in 2015 when he raced a Drive eO PP03 Electric to the top with a clocking of 9:07.22, a record that lasted only a year. He set a new Electric Modified standard in 2016 at 8:57.118 behind the wheel of the 2016 version of the auto. Besides racing, Millen is also a stunt driver for films such as The Dukes of Hazzard, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. He also did the driving for the first Hyundai Genesis Coupe commercial. Mike Moran [email protected] PPIHC Senior Media Consultant 1631 Mesa Avenue, Suite E Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (719) 338-9161 Save the Date! Race Day - Sunday, June 30, 2019 The 97th running of the Race to the Clouds is set for Sunday, June 30, 2019. Tickets are available now. Visit our website for ticket pricing and additional information. Purchase Tickets Fan Fest Friday, June 28, 2019 Fan Fest, presented by Budweiser and Toyo Tires, is Colorado Springs’ largest and most popular street festival action packed with stunts performed by the Red Bull Motorcycle Jumpers, courtesy of Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli. Held annually on the Friday before Race Day, more than 30,000 people gather in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs to experience this 10-block street party. Purchase Display Space VISIT OUR WEBSITE RACE MERCHANDISE Find Us On Social Media: CONTACT US TODAY .