The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) is the second oldest motor race in the United States behind only the Indianapolis 500 with the first race in 1916. It holds an immense honor behind its name, being one of the most challenging hill climbs in the world, and it goes almost year after year, taking the lives of some of the most elite racers. It takes place every summer in the mountains of Colorado, as drivers and riders race for the fastest times going up 12.5 miles, 156 turns and speeding over ridge crests to make it to the summit of Pikes Peak where the finish line awaits. The 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race-day was set for June 30th and featured the CSF F87 M2 Club Racer V.2 from BMW R&D partner Tyspeed, piloted by none other than Tyler Pappas.
The CSF M2 Club Racer had a big task at hand, with a built motor, ported heads, Pure Turbos, down pipes, some MS109 fuel and an aggressive tune, jumps the horsepower to 505 at the wheels. The power modifications come at a compensation of increasing the amount of heat in the engine bay. While climbing up the mountains elevation as making the way up the last section of the race with almost 40% less oxygen in the air. Less oxygen in the air means that there is less oxygen to be forced into the intake manifold by the turbos and less oxygen to dissipate all of the heat. It is no easy task remaining COOL and collected when you factor in all of the conditions that PPIHC has to offer. Luckily the F87 M2 is equipped with the Ultimate Cooling Solution from CSF to be up for the task. The F87 M2 cooling kit includes a Triple-Pass Radiator (CSF #7078), High Performance Intercooler (CSF #8115/ #8115B) that comes in a silver or black finish, Race-Spec Dual-Pass DCT Cooler (CSF #8103) and a Race-Spec Oil Cooler (CSF #8104). However, the club racer utilizes an additional bar/plate oil cooler (CSF #8110) and the Race-Spec (CSF#7078LT) Triple-Pass radiator to get an additional 10mm of radiator core, forfeiting the A/C condenser to maximize the cooling capacity.
Prepping for PPIHC
Setting a date for the hill climb on the calendar, Tyspeed knew they had to make some modifications tailored for this journey, and they jazzed up some other components while they were at it. Flying through winding roads and switchbacks turns on a hillside at 120+mph almost entirely without guard rails, you cannot come to this invite-only event for racers, and not be prepared. Here are some of the recent modifications done to the car leading up to the race.
- Built N55 Motor – w/ CP Standard size/compression Forged Pistons, Carrillo Rods, and ARP Hardware // Tuned to 505 WHP – 540 Ft/Lbs of Torque
- Ported Cylinder head by HeadGames Motorworks
- Custom Tune for MS109 Fuel
- Meth Injections system w/ Pre+Post Inter-Cooler Sprayers
- GTS Rear Differential and Transmission Flash
- XDI 35I High-Pressure Fuel Pump from TTFS
- Tyspeed Composite Doors, Hood, and Decklid assembly
- KMP Drivetrains F8x Paddle Shift Wheel w/ Quick Release
- AIM MXG Data Dash
- AJ Hartman Custom Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
- AJ Hartman Apex 12 Carbon Fiber Dual Element, Swan Neck Rear Wing
- AJ Hartman Carbon Fiber Flat Bottom Chassis
- AJ Hartman Carbon Fiber Dual Stage Diffuser
- AJ Hartman Custom Carbon Fiber Canards
- Motorola Long Track Communication System
Scroll Through Some Detail Photos of the V.2 CSF M2 Club Racer
Tech Inspection
The tech inspection setup at PPIHC may not be as glorious as that of NASCAR, but they do take the drivers safety just as serious. At the base of the mountain in a rented parking lot, Tyler unloads the car and waits for his turn under the eazy-up. As race officials go over almost every wire and bolt on the vehicle to make sure it is secure, adequate, and safe. No leaky fluid, exposed wires, dated tires, loose panels or any of the stuff people typically get away with at your local track events. For roll cage inspections, the staff uses a medical-grade sonar system to detect any cracks or impact bends in the tubing. With the tow hook finally screwed into the bumper, the M2 passed its safety inspections with no hiccups, and the team started to prepare for the drive up the mountain.
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