Degasperi earns top rookie honors at Pikes Peak

The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo has named Diego Degasperi, out of Trento, Italy, as the Rookie of the Year for last weekend's 103rd running. He joins countryman Christian Merli, who was honored in 2024.

Traveling to America alongside teammate, Simone Faggioli, a PPIHC v eteran,Degasperi qualified on the first day of Race Week in his first session on the mountain. His qualifying time of 3m:40.591s foreshadowed what was to come.

On the second practice day, when he moved up to the middle section, Degasperi described his biggest challenge, "Even though I'd studied the onboard videos, on that first run I was paralyzed," he admitted. "I couldn't accelerate. The snow was on the roadsides, and the open hairpin bends were scary."

When three days of qualifying were complete, Degasperi made the Fast 15 listing, a group of the top qualifiers for race day, the only rookie on that roster. He appeared with his Nova Proto NP01 Bardahl at Fan Fest in Colorado Springs to meet fans and sign autographs.

"Fan Fast was incredible – just stunning!" exclaimed Degasperi, who listed it as one of his most memorable moments of 2025.

After a more than two-hour weather delay, the race began, although it wouldn't be to the summit. Due to incredible wind speeds on the mountain, the finish line was moved down to Glen Cove. Instead of a race over three sections, the 2025 Race to the Clouds would cover only the lower section.

Degasperi confidently launched from the line and reached the brake check station at Glen Cove in just over three and a half minutes.

Of the 21 rookies competing in 2025, Degasperi clocked the best time on race day. His closest competitor was first-time racer, Patrick Culligan, in the Pikes Peak Open division, who finished in 4m26.743s.

"Making my debut on such a difficult track and winning this award makes me very proud," Degasperi said. "This award was won by champions like Loeb, Dumas, Faggioli, Merli, etc., etc., now also Degasperi, wow!

"This was a dream. You always have to believe in your dreams. They do come true."

Asked whether he plans to return to attempt at a full-course run, Degasperi said, "I hope so, but it won't be easy. The Pikes Peak dream ends at 4300 meters (14,115'), but this year we stopped at 3600 m (13,300'). Organizing the trip for us, as Europeans, is not only very expensive but also very difficult in terms of logistics. My fingers are crossed to return."