"Monster" Breaks Pikes Peak World Record and Elusive 10 Minute Barrier

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- All hail the monster!  Driving his modified 2011 Monster Sport (Suzuki) SX4 Hill Climb Special, Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima broke his own former world record, as well as the seemingly unattainable 10-minute mark, all while capturing his sixth consecutive overall win with a time of 09:51:58 at the 89th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100503/LA97823LOGO)

On a fiercely competitive day, Monster conquered the climb decisively, mastering the Peak's winding and perilous path to the top.  Team Monster Sport's SX4 Hill Climb Special was unyielding, making full use of its racecar chassis and 900-plus horsepower.

Monster Tajima first challenged Pikes Peak, North America's second oldest motorsports event, in 1988. His first win in the Unlimited division took place in 1993, followed by his second overall title in 1995. Fast forward to 2006, and his overall win that year primed the pump for a record-breaking run of 10 minutes and 1.41 seconds in 2007.

In his pursuit of victory, Monster defeated several worthy competitors, the most formidable being Rhys "We Fear No Monster" Millen, who drove an aggressively modified Hyundai Genesis.  Millen placed second in the race this year with a time of 10:09:24.

2011 Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special

Based on a Low drag and High down force concept developed for the Pikes Peak race and following exhaustive tests in the Monster Sport wind tunnel facility, the Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special has undergone extensive aerodynamic changes to adapt better to the modified road surface, which now consists of more smooth tarmac and less gravel than was present during last year's race. The car is powered by a 3100cc Twin Turbo Monster Special V6 powerplant, boasting an impressive 910 horsepower.

For more information on the 2010 Monster Sport SX4 Hill Climb Special and Team Monster Sport, please visit www.monster-sport.com/ppihc/.

The 89th Annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

The race is a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begin at 9,390 feet and finishes at the 14,110 foot summit of Pikes Peak.  The thin air slows drivers' reflexes and muscle strength, and robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit.  The race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro stock and motorcycle classes with a field of almost 200 competitors.  Practice and qualifying took place June 23-25 leading up to the race on Sunday, June 26th.  For more information, please visit: http://www.usacracing.com/ppihc/about/overview.

About Suzuki

The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation was founded in 1963 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of approximately 300 automotive dealerships and numerous other motorcycle, ATV and marine distributors in 49 states. With global headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer. In 2010, SMC sold more than two and a half million new cars and trucks and more than three million motorcycles and ATVs. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 193 countries and regions. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com. Suzuki can also be found on Twitter (@SuzukiAuto), Facebook (www.Facebook.com/SuzukiAuto) and YouTube (www.YouTube.com/SuzukiAutomotive).

SOURCE American Suzuki Motor Corporation