18-Year-Old Hayden Bradley Emerges as the Champion of Pikes Peak in a Porsche Cayman GT4

The 101st running of the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, has come to an end, but one story of triumph continues to captivate the audience – the story of Hayden Bradley. At just 18 years old, Bradley stood out as the youngest competitor in the 2023 Pikes Peak field, but his performance was far beyond his age.

Bradley made a name for himself in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Series during his teenage years, participating in races at Homestead-Miami, Sebring, Road America, and Circuit of the Americas. He continued to excel in the World Racing League’s GP-2 Class, finishing fourth at the 24-Hour Enduro at Sebring International Raceway.

In 2023, Bradley, with 54 races of experience under his belt, received an invitation to compete in the prestigious Race to the Clouds, representing the Porsche Pikes Peak Trophy by Yokohama division. He chose the 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4 for its perfect balance and performance, adorned with the iconic Yokohama ADVAN livery. The racecar also featured Bradley’s personal connection to his race number, 727, which represents the area code of his hometown.

While preparing for the race, Bradley encountered various challenges, including high altitude, different weather conditions, and the 156 turns of Pikes Peak. With guidance from Jeff Zwart, a PPIHC Hall of Famer and his division mentor, Bradley adapted quickly and honed his driving skills to overcome these obstacles. Zwart’s coaching focused on understanding the unique ecosystem of the mountain and its ever-changing nature, preparing Bradley for the risk versus reward aspect of the Hill Climb.

On race day, Bradley’s dedication and hard work paid off as he emerged as the champion, proudly holding the Champion flag at the summit. This victory is not only a personal achievement but a shared success with his sponsors, mentors, and everyone who supported his journey. Bradley’s triumph serves as a testament to his talent, determination, and the exceptional engineering of the Porsche 718 Cayman Clubsport GT4. It is not just a highlight of the event but also an inspiration for aspiring racers, proving that with the right mentorship, effort, and outstanding engineering, even the most daunting challenges in motorsport can be conquered.

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