Hill climbs
Pikes Peak pays tribute to Michèle Mouton, 40 years after her historic feat
Photo: Pikes Peak
As planned for several months, Michèle Mouton is now a member of the Pikes Peak Hall of Fame.
In 1985, the French driver took to the stage in the legendary Colorado Hill Climb in the Audi Sport Quattro. On a track that was then entirely dirt, she smashed the times and set a new all-time record of 11:25.39. This resounding performance earned her the prestigious nickname "King of the Mountain," a title no other woman has held since.
Four decades later, Mouton was duly celebrated on the slopes of "America's Mountain." At a tribute during race week, several current Pikes Peak figures—Emmanuel Cecchet, Alex Kim, and David Hackl—displayed their cars at the ceremony, highlighting the Frenchwoman's lasting influence on generations of drivers.
To mark her induction, Michèle Mouton received a unique watch designed by BRM North America, adorned with an image of her iconic Audi and engraved with her reference time. North Drinkware also created a personalized set of glasses and coasters inspired by the mountain she conquered in 1985.
Always committed to promoting women in motorsports, Michèle Mouton also participated in a roundtable discussion organized by Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) in Colorado Springs. Along with Burcu Cetinkaya (President of the FIA Women's Commission) and three current Pikes Peak competitors—Loni Unser, Emelia Hartford, and Tracy Gaudu—she discussed the challenges and opportunities for women's motorsports. The panel was moderated by Lyn St. James, a seven-time Indy 500 driver and Grand Marshal of the 2025 edition.
Asked about a possible desire to give up at the time, Mouton replied bluntly: " Once you start, you don't think about stopping. It's not easy to reach the top, so you don't even consider quitting. » During the traditional Fan Fest, she was cheered on by fans from the OPTIMA Batteries stage. Between autographs, photos, and memorabilia, the pioneer once again measured the lasting impact of her career.
On race day, she started Loni Unser with the green flag, shared her memories on the RACER Network, and recalled her 1985 achievement in an interview with KRDO NewsRadio. Being able to welcome Michèle Mouton back to the mountain and induct her into our Hall of Fame is simply epic. " said Melissa Eickhoff, executive director of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Her love of motorsport and her commitment to seeing women compete and win at the highest level are unparalleled. As a pioneer, we are honored to celebrate her accomplishments on this mountain. »
Michèle Mouton inducted into the Pikes Peak Hall of Fame
Valentin GLO
Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.
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Guillaume
20/07/2025 at 03:44 a.m.
Mrs. Mouton, you have had a superb career. I am near the Chenevières 54122 circuit where the Apines de Comas are located. The circuit is owned by Henry Patrick. I went to see the Indicar and Rollex races at Wakin Glen, USA.
Clara Philippe
19/07/2025 at 01:24 a.m.
The greatest rally champion!!! Congratulations, it's well deserved...
MOUTON Sebastien
18/07/2025 at 04:15 a.m.
Bravo! It's a shame there isn't enough media coverage of your exploits in France! And thank you for still being active in motorsport!
Emmanuel Cecchet
17/07/2025 at 11:56 a.m.
It's worth noting that Emmanuel Cecchet is also French and drove the Audi S1E2, which was signed by Michele Mouton, during this year's ceremony. At the finish, Emmanuel brought a French flag, also signed by Michèle, in memory of the legend 40 years later. These were great moments, even though the race was shortened this year due to unfavorable weather at the summit.
Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)
17/07/2025 at 06:34 a.m.
Bravo ….. Michèle Mouton….. an exceptional career……👍. alainkf1@pt.lu President: Ayrton Senna Memorial Club of Luxembourg. 😎👍👀🍾👀🇱🇺