On my recent US trip I visited Pikes Peak, Colorado, site of the second-oldest motor sports event in the country, after the Indianapolis 500. The race climbs nearly 5,000 feet in 10 miles, ending at 14,110 feet above sea level near the summit of Pikes Peak.
By comparison, Mt. Kosciusko is only 7,310 feet high.
First run in 1916, the 2005 Race to the Clouds was the 83rd instalment. I didn't plan on being there for the race, but as it turned out I was only one day early. While they were setting up for the race however, there was only one race car at the start line when I got there. Luckily for me it was an AE86 Corolla/Sprinter Trueno, so that's why I'm posting in the Corolla section :) . It is the car of Taka Aono, a famous and well-respected drift racing instructor in the US.
I think I might go back next year, just to watch the race (even though they start at 5am!!)