Tyspeed BMW M2 at the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Coming off a successful racing season in 2018, small shop owner and driver Tyler Pappas was excited to receive an invite to participate in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This BMW M2 has gone through extensive testing and wrenching to get the car where it is today to compete in a race that hosts incredible challenges racing up a mountain that hosts 156 turns and climbing almost 5,000 feet (14,000 feet in elevation) to the finish line. After months of preparation the time has finally come for the crew to take on the mountain. Here is a behind the scenes look into this historic event for the Tyspeed team.

Day 1: Tech Inspection

The Tyspeed team have arrived in Colorado Springs for the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race. The BMW M2 has successfully went through tech inspection on the first day. Tyler and team will head over to Pikes Peak for rookie orientation where they will do a slow drive of the mountain.

Day 2: First Practice Day On The Mountain

Tyler and crew have completed the first practice day at Pikes Peak. The M2 ran great in the higher altitude at 14,000 feet and the team is preparing for tomorrow’s qualifying round in the lower section.

Day 3: Lower Section Qualifying

Qualifying at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb went smoothly today for the Tyspeed team. They were able to shave 30 seconds off their initial run.

Day 4: Upper Section Practice

Sunrise on the mountain! The Tyspeed BMW M2 just finished up another practice session in preparation for the Pikes Peak race this Sunday, June 30th. The team is currently in the Top 10 of Group A.

Day 5: Final Practice Sessions

The final practice session in the books! With the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race only 2 days away Tyler and the Tyspeed team get to take a break and enjoy tonight’s Fan Fest activities. Tomorrow the car will be on display at BMW of Colorado Springs, then set up in the pits Saturday ready for race day on Sunday.

Day 5 Continued: Fan Fest

Here’s a fun fact… the Tyspeed BMW M2 featured our ARC-8R forged wheels at Fan Fest in the Toyo Tires booth weeks before our unveil. Tyler did several interviews and took photos with fans before the rain started pouring down.

June 30th, 2019 – Race Day

Despite a tragic start to race day following a death of a fellow competitor and facing a shift in weather conditions the Tyspeed team finally pulled up to the starting line and awaited the green flag. In the pouring rain, sleet and lightning the BMW M2 conquered the hill and made it to the summit in a time of 12:28. We’d like to give a huge congratulations to the Tyspeed team for their hard work and determination. This is truly an unforgettable achievement.

Tom M.

Tom is a BMW Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining the company in 2019, he worked for BMW of North America as Fleet Manager: Portland (OR) for the ReachNow car-sharing program, and as Warranty Administrator/Loaner Fleet Manager at BMW Portland. In addition, Tom has extensive training in BMW TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) as well as in-depth knowledge of all BMW chassis and their wheel fitment options, with and without aftermarket brake and suspension upgrades. His high-performance driving experience includes autocross events in southern Oregon and track days at PIR in his 2004 E46 330i with 17x9 ET42 APEX ARC-8 wheels. Vehicles he owned prior to indulging his passion for BMWs include a 1989 Jaguar XJ6 and a 2006 S197 Ford Mustang. Fun Fact: Tom is a huge Formula 1 fan. Have questions about wheels for your BMW? Use our contact form and ask for Tom.