July 17, 2000

Kenworth, CFI set tandem-axle record at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

KIRKLAND - Kenworth and Contract Freighters Inc. teamed up with driver Bruce Canepa for a record-setting victory in the tandem-axle division for semi (Class 8) trucks at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 4.

Canepa, a veteran racer and designer from Santa Cruz, Calif., clocked 14 minutes 34.41 seconds in the Kenworth/CFI T2000 Red Racer, which was equipped with a 960-horsepower Caterpillar C-16 engine and Bridgestone tires with a special tread. The time was 0.68 seconds better than runner-up Sterling in the tandem-axle competition.

Canepa and the T2000 averaged 51 miles per hour over the 12.42-mile gravel course, especially impressive considering the course has 156 turns and rises from an elevation of 9,402 feet at the starting line to 14,110 feet at the Pikes Peak summit. Canepa passed the course’s three major radar checkpoints at 81.6, 79.6 and 83.4 miles per hour, respectively.

Canepa broke the former record of 15:14.29, set by CFI chairman and CEO Glenn F. Brown last year in the Kenworth T2000/CFI Red Racer.

“This race is an exciting experience,” said Canepa, after his record run. “The course is incredibly challenging with ever-changing surfaces, blind switchbacks and drop-offs that fall out of sight. It keeps your 100% attention every moment of the run.

“The Kenworth T2000 performed and handled more like a race car than anyone can imagine,” Canepa said. “The Caterpillar C-16 engine ran flawlessly and made it possible to reach the summit in record time. This was truly a team.