LAS VEGAS - June 16, 2023 – Robert Prilika, who drove a 2022 Shelby GT500SE into history last year in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, will return to compete in a new Shelby F-150 Super Snake Sport under the Robert Prilika Motorsports banner. Officials from Shelby American, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK) and members of the Team Shelby club will attend the race on June 25 as part of the ongoing Carroll Shelby Centennial Celebration.
“The Shelby community was very proud of Robert Prilika and RPM Motorsports who drove the stock Shelby GT500SE up Pikes Peak in some very difficult conditions last year,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “The Shelby ran flawlessly last year and provided a wealth of data for our continual development program. We're returning with the RPM team for 2023 to compete with our four-wheel drive street truck in the exhibition class. Carroll Shelby would have been very proud of this effort, which celebrates his passion for every form of motorsports.”
The truck is sponsored by Tuscany West, which distributes Shelby muscle trucks and cars across the western United States. The Rocky Mountain Region of Tuscany Motor Company will help sponsor the Team Shelby Pikes Peak Adventure, which integrates enthusiasts into Hill Climb activities over the weekend.
Last year, these organizations placed Robert Prilika, one of the most accomplished racers to race up the mountain, into the new Shelby GT500SE for “The Race to the Clouds.” Prilika has competed in road racing, circle track, hill climbs and endurance events across the United States. His many achievements put him into the 2019 Colorado Motorsport Hall of Fame class. It was his first time competing in a Shelby vehicle and now the team is returning with a supercharged pickup
The two-door Shelby Super Snake Sport F-150 features a Shelby-specific lowered suspension, up to 775** horsepower, rumbling exhaust note, custom wheels and new brake system. The exterior has a menacing aero look while the interior has elegant Shelby amenities. Under the watchful eye of the driver and RPM Team Manager, Danyella Prilika and Crew Chief Loren Southard, RPM added only the required safety equipment. Otherwise, the Shelby truck was not altered. The new truck's break-in period was completed only a few months before the Hill Climb.
“The Shelby Super Snake Sport F-150 combines the versatility of a truck with the soul of a sports car,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations. “The roar of the supercharged engine is a clue that the four-wheel drive truck can sprint 0-60 mph in just 3.45 seconds and go from 0-100-0 in 8.3 seconds. The blistering fast truck also handles and stops exceptionally well. The Hill Climb will be a great test for it, and I can't wait to watch the truck in the hands of such a skilled, proven driver.”
The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as “The Race to the Clouds,” is an invitational automobile hill climb in Colorado. The 101st running features a 12.42-mile course with 156 turns and an elevation gain of 4,725 feet, rising to the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level.
“The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has long served as an automotive proving ground,” explained Melissa Eickhoff, PPIHC Executive Director, “and that continues as we move into our second century of racing on America's Mountain. Carroll Shelby was certainly an automotive visionary and we're eager to see how the latest iteration of Shelby-engineering will perform over the 12.42 mile race.”
“Last year, the morning conditions were some of the most challenging that I've ever faced in my many years driving up the hill,” said Robert Prilika. “Having four-wheel drive on slick roads with poor visibility would certainly have helped. After testing this amazing stock truck, I have great confidence in our ability to set a great time this year, regardless of the conditions.”
Team Shelby members will cheer Prilika as he roars up the mountain in the super truck as part of the Team Shelby Pikes Peak Adventure. Shelby American leadership will attend to monitor performance of the vehicle and provide technical expertise. Both Patterson and LaViolette will attend the race, while Shelby Sales and Marketing Manager Kash Singh will also compete in his personal 2005 Ford Mustang.
“Every Shelby fan looks forward to this test of driver and machine against nature, as much as against other competitors,” said Eric Brown of Tuscany West. “We're excited to return this year with a factory Shelby Super Snake F-150 that has a supercharged V8 and all-wheel drive. We appreciate the attendance by the Shelby American executive team and admire their commitment to motorsports.”
The Shelby F-150 Super Snake Sport is available through select Tuscany and Shelby American dealers. Each vehicle from Shelby American is documented in the official Shelby Registry and includes a free one-year membership in Team Shelby. The trucks come with a 3 year/36,000-mile warranty including powertrain. Individuals interested in Shelby vehicles can visit www.Shelby.com.
About Shelby American, Inc
Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 streetcar, Daytona Coupe and Shelby Series 2 component vehicles; it offers the Shelby GT, 1000, Super Snake, CODE RED, Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition, SE and Shelby GT500KR post-title packages for select model 2015-2023 Ford Mustangs. Shelby American also offers the Shelby Raptor, Shelby F-150 Super Snake and Shelby F-150 trucks, as well as the Shelby F-250 Super Baja. Heritage cars include the continuation 1965 Shelby GT350 competition model, 1967 Ford Shelby Super Snake and 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR. A post-title package is also available in Europe for the current generation Ford Mustang Mach-E GT. For more information, visit http://www.shelby.com.
About Robert Prilika Motorsports
FRPM was founded by Robert Prilika, who has over 30 years of racing experience. He competed successfully in NASCAR, IMSA, Grand AM Rolex, USSS, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), SCCA World Challenge and Club Racing, IRL, AMA Motocross, NASA and Porsche Club. Robert has achieved over 200 combined road racing wins at famous tracks like Daytona, Watkins Glen, VIR and PPIR in cars including Porsche GT3, LOLA, Nissan SRPII Prototype, Picchio BMW Prototype, NASCAR Late Model Impala SS, Dallara Oldsmobile Indy Car, LOLA Buick Indy Car, GForce Infiniti, Oldsmobile Indy Car and Porsche Turbo. He has achieved over 30 top ten circle track finishes in series including NASCAR, USSS and Grand AM. He also holds various track records and was inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2019. Additional information is available at https://robertprilikamortorsports.com.
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Media Contact
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