When you think of record-breaking race cars, you probably picture flame-spewing machines ripping down long, straight tracks. But Katherine Legge is about to flip that script—on a twisting, sky-high road up a mountain. This year at Pikes Peak, Legge is after something beyond just climbing the summit. She is aiming for a record that is only three seconds away—doing it in a front-wheel-drive Acura Integra Type S that aims to shock in every sense of the word. It is the culmination of a comeback, a precision test, and a lot of fun all packed into one go.
A Strong Return From The Brink: Katherine Legge Needed Only 3 Seconds To Make History
- Driver: Katherine Legge
- Car: Acura Integra Type S DE5 (Time Attack 1)
- Previous year's run: 10:51.359
- FWD record time: 10:48.094 (Acura TLX)
Katherine Legge, a veteran of IndyCar, IMSA, NASCAR, DTM, prototypes, Formula E—you name it—came to Pikes Peak in 2024 and made a debut run of 10:51.359. Now sh has her eyes on closing the magical 3-second gap to take the current FWD record: 10:48.094.
What’s Under the Hood—and Behind the Wheel
- Engine: 2.0‑liter turbo K20C8, boosted to 360 hp (up from street-legal 320 hp)
- Transmission: 6‑speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters
- Tuning: Race-tuned suspension, better brakes
- Aero kit: Enormous rear wing on the back, splitter in the front
- Weight-reducing: Stipped out the interior, roll cage in, all carbon fiber panels to thin it down.
This is no tricked-out street car—it is a precision-built hill climber, with every component made for a singular purpose: break that record.
The Pike's Peak Gauntlet
This mountain route in Colorado is historic—and punishing:
- 12.42 mile long with 156 turns
- Starts at 9,390 feet and climbs to 14,115 feet, with thin air that steals horsepower and focus
- One slip, one gear change misfire, and history goes whispering away.
Legge's task? Stay laser focused, manage altitude and mechanical mayhem—and knock off those necessary 3.265 seconds.
Why This Stats Beyond Racetrack
1. Tech highlight
Acura’s DE5 project demonstrates how street‑based platform can be gracefully adapted to be serious racers.
2. Barriers smashed
Legge is redefining female presence in motorsport across the globe, Nationally and on the world stage, behind the wheel, of a record‑hungry machine.
3. Corporate synergy
Acura returns for its 15th year to Pikes Peak, aiming to add another front‑wheel‑drive record to previous wins and podiums.
Quick Fact Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Last year's time | 10:51.359 |
| Target time to beat | 10:48.094 (FWD record) |
| Powertrain | 360‑hp turbo 2.0L K20C8, sequential gearbox |
| Aerodynamics & weight | Wing, splitter, roll‑cage, stripped interior |
| Altitude challenge | 9,390 ft → 14,115 ft, “thin air” sabotage |
| Track layout | 12.42 miles, 156 dangerous turns |
| Acura Pikes Peak years | 15th consecutive year contesting; 12 class wins |
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
