Emelia Hartford Prepares For Intense Pikes Peak Race With Mobil 1
Legendary car builder, YouTube icon, actress, and professional race car driver Emelia Hartford is preparing to tackle one of the world's most challenging hill climb routes, Pikes Peak, as she enters the prestigious GT4 class.
Backed by Mobil 1, supported by Porsche Colorado Springs and BBI Autosport, Hartford is busy testing the 500 bhp Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport that will carve its way towards Pikes Peak's 14,000ft summit via 156 turns during the 2025 'Race to the Clouds". Support also comes from Pikes Peak Hall of Famer Jeff Zwart.
'Working with Jeff Zwart and the entire Mobil 1 team is truly an honor. Jeff is not just a legendary driver—he's a mentor who brings a level of calm intensity that's contagious; I joke he is Master Yoda. The man knows this mountain physically and mentally. Every bit of advice he gives is rooted in both precision and wisdom, and it's taught me to think differently about how I approach a run like this. And of course, running with the Mobil 1 team, a brand with a legacy of performance and innovation is truly a dream come true' Hartford tells Matthew MacConnell.
Emelia Hartford at 2025 Pikes Peak
Over the 12.5-mile route, Hartford will face rapidly changing weather conditions and extreme altitude—the ultimate test of both women and machine. However, she's no stranger to intense racing after recently smashing a world record at Famaso Dragstrip, California.
When asked how she'll stay focused during the intense race, Hartford replied 'Focus, for me, comes somewhat easily. I am openly a bit obsessive when I dive into something. When I'm on that mountain, I'm not thinking about anything, it's kind of the only time that seems to happen. Pure bliss, no fear, no distractions just me vs the mountain.
One challenge honestly is staying on my content game. I usually am very active in sharing my life with the world but that has been a bit more difficult when being so focused and locked in with my driving. Instead of shooting, editing, and posting I have been studying the road, watching driving footage, running the sim, and trying to memorize and visualize every section of the course. And honestly, the mountain demands your full attention, it's mostly blind turns at full throttle so it's not hard to stay focused when every corner could be your last.'
Emelia Hartford at 2025 Pikes Peak
Participating in Pikes Peak is a dream for many, including Hartford who said she set a goal to take her driving to the next level this year while working towards racing professionally in the most important and iconic motorsports races.
'We are starting with a bang with Pikes Peak. I watched Pikes Peak since I first got into cars, it's one of those races you dream about but is also more intimidating than most, and I don't get intimidated easily. It's not just a race, it's like nothing else on earth, it's a mountain with a serious legacy. Getting the chance to compete here feels like stepping into something sacred. It's intimidating, sure—but it's also a moment of growth for me, both as a driver and as a person. I've been through a lot in life, so I really live for moments like this!'
Luckily, Hartford feels positive about the Mobil 1-powered 'dialed and balanced' Porsche GT4 RS that will take her to the top.
Emelia Hartford's Porsche GT4 RS
'It really is very planted and predictable. It gives you confidence without taking away the respect you need to have for the road. It's been great driving something that I don't have to second guess so I can focus on the mountain more than the car. And of course, having Mobil 1 keeps my race car running smooth and strong – which is exactly what you need when every bit of engine power counts on such a tough mountain climb like Pikes Peak. I'm smiling cheek to cheek on every run.'
Austin Johansen, North America Mobil 1 marketing manager, said "We're excited to welcome Emelia to her first 'Race to the Clouds' and protect the cars of seven drivers who rely on our products to power them through this challenging 12.42-mile course. It's really rewarding to be part of such an iconic event that motorsports fans everywhere look forward to.'
Good luck, Emelia!
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