Two-Time Pikes Peak Champion Set to Pilot Bentley Bentayga on Hill Climb

Rhys Millen is looking to set a new record at the 2018 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Earlier this year, Bentley announced it would take the Bentayga racing and now the British automaker has revealed Millen will be the driver. The seasoned veteran knows a thing or two about Pikes Peak, having been a two-time overall winner. At this year’s event, Millen and the Bentayga have the goal of beating the current production SUV record of 12:35.61, which means the luxury SUV will need to average at least 60 mph up the 156-corner course.

The race-ready Bentayga leaves the W12 engine untouched and has been built as close to production standard as possible. Minimal changes have been done in accordance with the Production Class rules and include a full roll cage, onboard fire suppression system, racing seats, and harnesses. Pirelli will contribute production tires to the race car, while a custom exhaust has been fabricated by Akrapovic. Everything else on the Bentayga, including the air suspension, has been unmodified.

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Finished in Radium Satin, the Bentayga also features black chrome exterior brightware and a full carbon fiber body kit. Prior to competing at this year’s event in late June however, the Bentayga will undergo high-speed performance testing in the U.S.

“With two previous overall victories to his name, Rhys’ credentials speak for themselves. His knowledge of the course, his professionalism as a competitor and his enthusiasm for the project make him the perfect choice for us,” said Bentley’s director of motorsport, Brian Gush. “In the Bentayga we’ve given Rhys the perfect opportunity to claim another Pikes Peak record, and I’m confident he can set an impressive time when the race takes place on 24th June.”

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