California woman makes history after driving 1,064HP C8 ZR1 in the most dangerous race in America

This California woman made history when she took on America’s most dangerous race in a 1,064hp C8 ZR1, and believe us when we say this was tough.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a 104-year-old racing tradition which challenges drivers to take on a 14,000-foot mountain spanning 12.4 miles and 156 turns.

YouTuber Emelia Hartford had an ambitious aim – to become the fastest woman on four wheels and break the record for fastest rear-wheel-drive production car.

Could it be done? She was certainly going to make every effort.

Taking on America’s most dangerous race wasn’t going to be easy

This race isn’t for the faint of the heart.

With sharp cliff edges and more winding roads than San Francisco, it’s a seriously intense challenge.

Ken Block’s family have been known to take it on at different points, with his wife driving a Sierra Echo EV and his daughter using a Hoonipigasus.

For Emelia Hatrford, she had two goals front and center – setting a record for women drivers on Pike Peaks and setting a record for fastest rear-wheel-drive production car.

No small feats.

In a show of commitment, she moved out to Colorado for a month to prepare.

The trials and tribulations that come with taking part in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

One problem presented itself early on, when carbon fiber wheels were banned.

Since Hartford had only brought carbon fiber wheels for her C8 ZR1, she had to petition the board to allow her to use them, using scientific and DOT testing data to aid her case.

Fortunately, she was successful.

Along the way, practice sessions proved to be tough for her nerves.

“Other than the pure risk of death, there’s only one problem. You only get one shot,” she said.

“One run to make it count. And one mistake can end everything.”

But she had one mindset to keep her on the straight and narrow – “You don’t lift [off the throttle] until you see God or a checkered flag.”

How did Hartford – and her C8 ZR1 – do on race day?

Race day fell on Father’s Day, and Hartford was feeling extremely nervous on the starting line.

Wouldn’t you be if you were facing the most dangerous race in America?

It was going to be a testing 12.5-mile sprint through debris and dirt.

But through grit and determination, she secured the two records she’d been seeking.

“I am officially the fastest woman ever on four wheels [to race Pikes Peak] and the fastest rear-wheel drive production car in history [to race Pikes Peak]. It wouldn’t have been possible without my team,” she said.

The race was particularly emotional for her having taken place on Father’s Day, as her father was sadly no longer with her.

“It was a really freaking hard race for me emotionally,” she admitted.

“To be there, to not have my dad… but I do believe I have a family in the car community.”