Former British Rallycross Champion and European Rallycross legend Pat Doran is to take up one of, if not the, biggest challenge of his motorsport career, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado U.S on August 12th.

The event was originally stamped into son Liamʼs calendar at the beginning of the year where he announced at Autosport International in Birmingham that he would be taking up the challenge in Monster Energy colours aboard his dads (Pat’s) monstrous Ford RS200.

But with the recent unfortunate news of a devastating fire sweeping across Colorado the famous ʻRace to the Cloudsʼwith the original date of July 8th was postponed due to the health and safety of teams and spectators and moved to August 12th.

This date change was to cause upset within Doran Jnrʼs calendar and meant a clash with Round 8 of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in the Netherlands in which Liam has committed to for 2012 and is currently in contention for the title.

With the two major events clashing Liam and his team only saw one option…to allow Liams father, Pat, to take up the drive for Pikes Peak.

“The unfortunate clash of dates means that I have to drop one event and with me still being in contention for the European rallycross title this year I obviously cannot afford to miss a round,” said a frustrated Doran Jnr,

“I was up for the Pikes peak Challenge and have prepped for it physically and mentally. But I have plenty more years ahead of me to take up the challenge which is why we decided to let my dad have a go. It has been a dream of his ever since I can remember but car preparation issues have always got in the way and the years have gone by without him competing at Pikes Peak. Nows his chance.”

Pat is most certainly up for the challenge with his specifically prepped Hill Climb Group B Ford RS200 which is currently running a Julian Godfrey 950bhp engine with 700lbs torque.

“This has always been a dream of mine and I canʼt tell you whether Iʼm excited or scared now I have come to the point of it actually happening” said an enthusiastic Pat.

“The car is already in America so I will have to take a trip out there shortly to try and fit some testing in before the event.I will also be trying to get in the best shape physically and mentally as possible as the Peaks summit is at a height of 14,110 feet so the air is very thin and after driving the 12.42 mile course it is going to take all of my energy and concentration to get to the top in a reasonable time safely. I donʼt expect to win but I plan to do my best for the sponsors and my team.ʼ

To Keep up to date with the Dorans progress visit www.liamdoran.com

Or visit facebook @LiamDoranUK and @PatDoranUK

For further information on Pikes Peak Hill Climb please visit www.usaracing.com/ppihc and for further information on the FIA European Rallycross championship please visit www.rallycross.com

Written by Amy Doran at Horse Power PR