KATHERINE LEGGE Nearly Smashes FWD Record at Pikes Peak Before Weather Intervenes

June 23, 2025

by Caleb Miller // from www.caranddriver.com

• KATHERINE LEGGE was absolutely demolishing the front-wheel-drive record at this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb, running 5-6 seconds up at the halfway point before high winds forced organizers to shorten the course. After 20 years of wanting to tackle America’s most unique motorsports challenge, she’s proven the Acura Integra Type S DE5 can fly up that mountain despite having 140 less horsepower than the current record holder.
• The preparation for Pikes Peak is unlike any other race – no fancy simulators here, just old-school video study and using porta-potties as reference points while memorizing 150 turns up a 14,000-foot mountain. LEGGE adapted her IndyCar and endurance racing experience to front-wheel-drive for the first time, getting minimal seat time but proving her versatility by running competitive times in her rookie attempt last year.
• What makes LEGGE’s performance even more impressive is the physical and technical challenges of racing at altitude, where engines lose power in thin air and conditions change dramatically from bottom to top. She’s already eyeing next year’s attempt, and with Acura and HRC continuously improving the car’s high-altitude performance, that front-wheel-drive record looks very much within reach for someone who clearly doesn’t back down from unfinished business.

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