Latest news with #EmeliaHartford
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Emelia Hartford Prepares For Intense Pikes Peak Race In Porsche GT4 RS
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 Emelia Hartford 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 Emelia Hartford 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 Emelia Hartford '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!
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Emelia Hartford Prepares For Intense Pikes Peak Race With Mobil 1
Emelia Hartford with her Porsche GT4 RS at 2025 Pikes Peak 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!
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
World's First Manual Pagani Huayra Roadster Worth $6.9M
⚡️ Read the full article on Motorious In a world where hypercars are already engineering marvels, one enthusiast has pushed boundaries further—commissioning the world's only manual Pagani Huayra Roadster, a bespoke $6.9 million masterpiece. Automotive YouTuber Emelia Hartford and her friend Vince recently took delivery of this singular creation, experiencing firsthand the unparalleled craftsmanship and raw performance that make it one of the most unique cars ever built. Finished in striking blue carbon fiber, this Huayra Roadster stands out not only for its aesthetics but for its driving engagement, featuring a seven-speed gated manual gearbox—an unprecedented feature in the Huayra lineup. Typically, Pagani's Huayra Roadster comes equipped with a seven-speed automated manual transmission. However, Vince, the car's owner, envisioned a more visceral experience, opting for a dog-leg manual shifter with exposed mechanical linkages. The result is a throwback to classic race cars, where first gear sits in a lower-left position, allowing quicker shifts between second and third. Powering this custom Huayra is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter AMG V12, producing around 754 horsepower. The exhaust system, a lightweight titanium unit with four centrally positioned tips, ensures an aggressive soundtrack that drowns out nearly everything in its vicinity. The hypercar's advanced aerodynamics feature four independently controlled flaps, adjusting for optimal downforce and stability. Beyond performance, this Huayra Roadster is a work of art, from its handcrafted interior with bespoke touches to its carbo-titanium chassis, which makes it lighter and stiffer than the coupe. Every inch of the car reflects Pagani's philosophy of merging art and engineering. As Hartford took the passenger seat for the car's maiden drive, she was left nearly speechless. 'Oh, my God!' she exclaimed, capturing the essence of the experience in just three words. With only 100 Huayra Roadsters produced and infinite customization options, this one-of-a-kind manual build sets a new benchmark for exclusivity. Vince, now the proud owner of the world's first manual Huayra Roadster, has all the time in the world to uncover its secrets—one perfectly executed shift at a time.
