"...the Rainbow Road segment will be carefully designed with safety as a top ten priority."

COLORADO SPRINGS—The iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is set to up the ante by incorporating a new and unique element into its legendary race. Organizers have announced their intention to add a section of Rainbow Road from the popular Mario Kart video game series because they haven't had a video go viral in a while.

The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, held annually in Colorado, is already known for its grueling 12.42-mile course, featuring 156 turns and an elevation change of nearly 5,000 feet. However, it seems that traditional challenges are no longer enough to satisfy the craving for excitement.

The decision to add a segment of Rainbow Road, a notoriously tricky and fantastical track from the Mario Kart games, has raised eyebrows and sparked and skepticism within the motorsport community.

Hill climb enthusiast and racer, Sarah Walker, shared her thoughts on the unexpected change: "I can't deny that the idea is intriguing and certainly novel. Rainbow Road is infamous for its colorful, winding, and perilous track. But if we go over the edge, we don't like, come back."

While some are thrilled by the prospect of racing on a course Mario has driven, others are concerned about safety and feasibility. Mario Kart's Rainbow Road is famous for its floating sections, sharp turns, and unpredictable obstacles. Adapting these elements to a real-world hill climb poses unique engineering and safety challenges.

Organizers are well aware of these concerns and have assured participants and fans that the Rainbow Road segment will be carefully designed with safety as a top ten priority. Additional safety measures, such as a little guy in a cloud with a fishing pole.

The decision to add Rainbow Road to the Pikes Peak Hill Climb reflects a broader trend in motorsports, where organizers aim to capture the excitement and imagination of a younger and more diverse audience. This bold move promises to infuse an element of fantasy and fun into a traditionally demanding and competitive race, offering a unique spectacle for both participants and spectators alike. The Pikes Peak Hill Climb, known for its challenges, is now poised to be an even more incredible, magical, and totally real experience.