Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima Smashes 10-Minute Barrier at Pikes Peak Hillclimb

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Monster Tajima - PPIHC 2011 - WRS_Matt Galantuomini.jpg

Driving his modified 2011 Monster Sport (Suzuki) SX4 Hill Climb Special, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima broke his own former world record, as well as the seemingly unattainable 10-minute mark, all while capturing his sixth consecutive overall win with a time of 09:51:58 at the 89th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

On a fiercely competitive day, Monster conquered the climb decisively, mastering the Peak's winding and perilous path to the top. Team Monster Sport's SX4 Hill Climb Special was unyielding, making full use of its racecar chassis and 900-plus horsepower.

Monster Tajima first challenged Pikes Peak, North America's second oldest motorsports event, in 1988. His first win in the Unlimited division took place in 1993, followed by his second overall title in 1995. Fast forward to 2006, and his overall win that year primed the pump for a record-breaking run of 10 minutes and 1.41 seconds in 2007.

In his pursuit of victory, Monster defeated several worthy competitors, the most formidable being Rhys "We Fear No Monster" Millen, who drove an aggressively modified Hyundai Genesis. Millen placed second in the race this year with a time of 10:09:24.

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Photo: WorldRallySport.com | Matt Galantuomini

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