The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33538
W e first met the diminutive 16-year old Savannah Rickli at the grand opening of MINI of Loveland this past summer and were completely blown away when this high school student told us that she was racing at Pike’s Peak in a couple of weeks. Of course, apart from the opening, Savannah was one of the main reasons we were in Colorado. We’d heard that there was a young teenage girl racing in MINIs and wanted to meet her. But Pike’s Peak? Now, that’s impressive! Well, a just a couple of weeks later, Savannah took her Built-By-Bones MINI sponsored by MINI of Loveland and became the youngest finisher in the history of the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb, displacing the former holder of that title, Al Unser Jr. She also became the youngest female racer to ever start and finish the race. The hill climb is the second oldest race in the US. Only the Indy 500 has run more races and when you look at in that perspective, Savannah’s achievement is all the more stunning. For the achievement, Rickli was named Rookie of the Race – quite an honor for a 16-year old! With her co-driver, Rebecca Greek, by her side, Savannah powered her 2003 MINI Cooper S, prepared by SCR Performance, up the mountain in just 13 minutes, 58 seconds, which was a time that beat out many more experienced racers one that was good enough for 3rd place in the Time Attack 2Wheel Drive class. “To be a driver in the most famous race in Colorado, the most famous Hill Climb in the world, along with drivers who I idolize, is very humbling,” said Savannah. “Everyone involved with the event has been so supportive, and the fans are amazing.” And don’t think that this drive was a fluke for the young driver. This girl has real talent and we expect her to do well as she pursues her racing career. Within a Issue 30 MC2 Magazine 21 couple of weeks of the hill climb, Savannah was racing her MINI at several SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) events in Colorado and working toward her SCCA National License. Ultimately, Savannah says, she would like to race in the Indy 500. In the meantime, her team says that for 2011, Savannah will stay as the lead driver for this year’s Pike’s Peak attempt. We’ll be there and if you want a thrill, you should plan on attending, too. by Peter D. DuPre photos courtesy Brad Bentley, Barry Brazier and SCR Performance Rickli On A Rocky Mountain High