"Monster" Conquers Pikes Peak on HRE Wheels

SAN DIEGO, June 28, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than two decades after his first appearance on the fabled mountain road, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima shattered the 10-minute barrier and set a new course record at the 89th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This stunning victory – achieved in a race-spec GoPro Suzuki SX4 Hill Climb Special equipped with HRE Monoblok Wheels – concluded an epic race between Tajima and drift star Rhys Millen, who placed second in his custom built Hyundai-powered RMR PM580 racer, also equipped with HRE forged wheels.

Tajima, who first claimed the title for fastest time to the Peak in 2007 from Millen's father, legendary driver Rod Millen, had his eyes fixed on the 10-minute mark since the conclusion of last year's race. As his run up the mountain under clear Colorado skies reached the halfway point, his 910-horsepower Suzuki began to experience cooling system problems, but the man called Monster continued unabated and completed the 12.4 mile, 156-turn course in 9 minutes, 51.278 seconds.

Immediately after the record-breaking run, the 60 year old Japanese driver was beaming, enjoying a victory 22 years in the making. Prior to the race, Tajima avoided speculation and drama but belied a quiet confidence as he and his crew prepped the blue and white Suzuki equipped with HRE P43S "Tajima Specials" Monoblok wheels for its run up a legendary mountain road that will be paved by this time next year, altering the nature of the race forever.

Formula Drift and Rallycross star Rhys Millen placed second in the Unlimited Class with a 10:09.24 and Jean Philippe Dayraut placed third in 10:17.77.

"We are thrilled to be a part of Monster's record breaking run," said HRE Wheels President Alan Peltier. "Pikes Peak is a true test of both man and machine, and Tajima's skill behind the wheel and sheer determination is nothing short of amazing. Monster, his crew, and our partners at Suzuki, GoPro, Falken Tire and Mobil 1 should all be commended. At HRE our commitment to designing and engineering the strongest and lightest wheels possible was recognized by the fact that both Monster and Rhys Millen chose our wheels for such a historic competition. To then be a part of Monster breaking the record is a huge source of pride for the entire HRE team."

About HRE Performance Wheels

HRE designs, engineers and manufactures 3-piece and 1-piece forged aluminum wheels for Racing, Performance & Luxury cars and SUV's in its San Diego, California-based, TÜV-approved facility. HRE's bespoke wheel sets offer a customized choice of offsets, widths and finishes, resulting in a uniquely personal style and performance solution for each customer's application. HRE wheels are sold through select high-end car dealerships, specialty retailers and performance companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.hrewheels.com or call (760) 598-1960.

Media Contact:
Dan Kahn 
818-881-5246
Media@HREwheels.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
http://www.cisionwire.com/hre/r/monster--conquers-pikes-peak-on-hre-wheels,c9140426

The following pictures are available for download: