The Race to the Clouds – The Lexus ISF CCS-R Way
09-11-12, 12:33 AM
#1
The Race to the Clouds – The Lexus ISF CCS-R Way
The Race to the Clouds – The Lexus ISF CCS-R Way
By: rominl and JavyLSU
Picture courtesy of gemini1, JamesN, V8_Aristo, and Joe Z
The nice thing about having inside scoop is that you know things ahead of others. Yet, at the same time the bad thing is you have to keep your mouth shut and that can get pretty intimidating. A few months back we got wind that Lexus Japan was shipping over one of their Lexus ISF CCS-R race cars, and we got pictures of the vehicle within days of it landing.
The Wait is over: the Lexus ISF CCS-R Arrives in the USA
Lexus ISF CCS-R piloted by Ken Gushi
Of course Lexus wouldn’t just keep the car on display. We privately learned that the car would be entering one of the most challenging (and interesting) races as well, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), and that’s really when the whole plan started.
A little background on the race itself, PPIHC is also called the Race to the Clouds for pretty obvious reason. The race starts at around 4,700 feet (which is pretty high altitude already). Drivers have to rush through about 12.5 miles, consisting of 156 turns, finishing at 14,110 feet. That’s a climb of over 9000 feet on grades averaging 7%. It’s a very demanding test of the performance of the vehicles, not to mention the ever-changing climate pushing the driver’s skills.
We received special invites from Lexus and a few ClubLexus Southern California core members were set to attend the race. Unfortunately, due to the extreme wildfire in Colorado Springs area, the race was postponed from July 8 to August 12, preventing a few members from making the trip. In the end, four members (gemini1, V8_Aristo, JamesN, and Joe Z) were still able to attend this fantastic event.
Their journey started with a long 18-hour drive from Los Angeles to Colorado Springs. Luckily, they did that in a brand new 2013 Lexus LX570, making the trip as comfortable as it could be. Going through CA, NV, AZ, UT, and finally CO, the LX570 had been nothing but comfortable, quiet, and powerful.
East end of Fishlake National Forest in Utah at sunrise
Although everyone was still recovering from the long drive, PPIHC started very early the next day and they had to wake up early to go over to Pikes Peak. The group was able to stay very close to the Lexus Camp, where the ISF CCS-R was being checked on. Driver Ken Gushi was there as well working hard with the technician on all the last second tuning and checking.
ClubLexus Socal with Ken Gushi, Yukihiko Yaguchi, and the ISF CCS-R
Cheerleaders in our PPIHC 2012 uniform
Joe Z trying to tell Yagushi-san how the ISF exhaust should be done
In order to capture the most for our members, they split up into two groups, one at the starting point recording Ken burning through rubber, while the other one at midpoint taking pictures of Ken zooming by.
courtesy of redhachiroku
Lexus ISF CCS-R rushing through
After Ken finished his run, they group gathered at the Lexus Camp again to view the footage from helicopter, which was in their words, “awesome!” At the end of the day, Ken Gushi and the ISF CCS-R captured second place in the exhibition class, showcasing what the ISF is really capable of. Congratulations to Lexus and Ken Gushi!
PPIHC 2012 results
In between races and checking out other competitions, the group was honored to have an exclusive interview with Yukihiko Yaguchi, mastermind and Chief Engineer behind the ISF project. It was a very enjoyable experience, and hopefully Yaguchi-san couldn’t answer some of our questions for good reasons!
ClubLexus Socal Exclusive: Interview with Yukihiko Yaguchi, Chief Engineer of ISF
Joe Z interviewing Yaguchi-san
The 18-hour drive back to CA was in some way more enjoyable because it was done during the day (minus the fatigue), and again, with a car like the LX570, you really can’t ask for anything more. The crew did make a few pit stops to capture some nice scenery.
Somewhere between CO and CA
West end of Fishlake National Forest in Utah on the trip back
According to the members who attended the event, despite all the exclusive treatments and VIP access provided by Lexus, what inspired them the most was how up-close and personal the whole trip was. All the Lexus staff was very courteous and super friendly to talk to. People already know how popular and friendly Ken Gushi is, and that’s clearly shown throughout the weekend. Even with Yaguchi-san, one can really be fooled by his serious demeanor; however as soon as you talk to him you can feel his true passion about Lexus brand, the ISF, and the motorsport industry.
Most memorable were the dinners where the group was invited to dine with all Lexus staff as well as Ken Gushi and Yaguchi-san; it really showed how everyone just blended in perfectly. It’s not Lexus Corporate vs ClubLexus forums, it’s bunch of car enthusiasts having good time together.
Dinner together with Lexus staff
We again want to express our biggest thank you to Lexus Corporate for this awesome experience. Thank you to Jim L, Stefannie B, and Mark H and the rest of the staff for coordinating the details and inviting us. Congratulations to Ken Gushi again for powering the ISF CCS-R through the race course. Last but not least, our huge thank you to Yukihiko Yaguchi for the fantastic interview opportunity.
We surely hope this can continue. We feel this is a great way for Lexus Corporate to connect with ClubLexus members and Lexus fans in general, and a fantastic way for them to learn about their customers.
So, what is Lexus sending up to the Clouds next year? We will be first to let you know – when we are allowed to tell you
Additional footage:
Courtesy of DCTRNGO
http://vimeo.com/47517970
Courtesy of Lexus USA
By: rominl and JavyLSU
Picture courtesy of gemini1, JamesN, V8_Aristo, and Joe Z
The nice thing about having inside scoop is that you know things ahead of others. Yet, at the same time the bad thing is you have to keep your mouth shut and that can get pretty intimidating. A few months back we got wind that Lexus Japan was shipping over one of their Lexus ISF CCS-R race cars, and we got pictures of the vehicle within days of it landing.
The Wait is over: the Lexus ISF CCS-R Arrives in the USA
Lexus ISF CCS-R piloted by Ken Gushi
Of course Lexus wouldn’t just keep the car on display. We privately learned that the car would be entering one of the most challenging (and interesting) races as well, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), and that’s really when the whole plan started.
A little background on the race itself, PPIHC is also called the Race to the Clouds for pretty obvious reason. The race starts at around 4,700 feet (which is pretty high altitude already). Drivers have to rush through about 12.5 miles, consisting of 156 turns, finishing at 14,110 feet. That’s a climb of over 9000 feet on grades averaging 7%. It’s a very demanding test of the performance of the vehicles, not to mention the ever-changing climate pushing the driver’s skills.
We received special invites from Lexus and a few ClubLexus Southern California core members were set to attend the race. Unfortunately, due to the extreme wildfire in Colorado Springs area, the race was postponed from July 8 to August 12, preventing a few members from making the trip. In the end, four members (gemini1, V8_Aristo, JamesN, and Joe Z) were still able to attend this fantastic event.
Their journey started with a long 18-hour drive from Los Angeles to Colorado Springs. Luckily, they did that in a brand new 2013 Lexus LX570, making the trip as comfortable as it could be. Going through CA, NV, AZ, UT, and finally CO, the LX570 had been nothing but comfortable, quiet, and powerful.
East end of Fishlake National Forest in Utah at sunrise
Although everyone was still recovering from the long drive, PPIHC started very early the next day and they had to wake up early to go over to Pikes Peak. The group was able to stay very close to the Lexus Camp, where the ISF CCS-R was being checked on. Driver Ken Gushi was there as well working hard with the technician on all the last second tuning and checking.
ClubLexus Socal with Ken Gushi, Yukihiko Yaguchi, and the ISF CCS-R
Cheerleaders in our PPIHC 2012 uniform
Joe Z trying to tell Yagushi-san how the ISF exhaust should be done
In order to capture the most for our members, they split up into two groups, one at the starting point recording Ken burning through rubber, while the other one at midpoint taking pictures of Ken zooming by.
courtesy of redhachiroku
Lexus ISF CCS-R rushing through
After Ken finished his run, they group gathered at the Lexus Camp again to view the footage from helicopter, which was in their words, “awesome!” At the end of the day, Ken Gushi and the ISF CCS-R captured second place in the exhibition class, showcasing what the ISF is really capable of. Congratulations to Lexus and Ken Gushi!
PPIHC 2012 results
In between races and checking out other competitions, the group was honored to have an exclusive interview with Yukihiko Yaguchi, mastermind and Chief Engineer behind the ISF project. It was a very enjoyable experience, and hopefully Yaguchi-san couldn’t answer some of our questions for good reasons!
ClubLexus Socal Exclusive: Interview with Yukihiko Yaguchi, Chief Engineer of ISF
Joe Z interviewing Yaguchi-san
The 18-hour drive back to CA was in some way more enjoyable because it was done during the day (minus the fatigue), and again, with a car like the LX570, you really can’t ask for anything more. The crew did make a few pit stops to capture some nice scenery.
Somewhere between CO and CA
West end of Fishlake National Forest in Utah on the trip back
According to the members who attended the event, despite all the exclusive treatments and VIP access provided by Lexus, what inspired them the most was how up-close and personal the whole trip was. All the Lexus staff was very courteous and super friendly to talk to. People already know how popular and friendly Ken Gushi is, and that’s clearly shown throughout the weekend. Even with Yaguchi-san, one can really be fooled by his serious demeanor; however as soon as you talk to him you can feel his true passion about Lexus brand, the ISF, and the motorsport industry.
Most memorable were the dinners where the group was invited to dine with all Lexus staff as well as Ken Gushi and Yaguchi-san; it really showed how everyone just blended in perfectly. It’s not Lexus Corporate vs ClubLexus forums, it’s bunch of car enthusiasts having good time together.
Dinner together with Lexus staff
We again want to express our biggest thank you to Lexus Corporate for this awesome experience. Thank you to Jim L, Stefannie B, and Mark H and the rest of the staff for coordinating the details and inviting us. Congratulations to Ken Gushi again for powering the ISF CCS-R through the race course. Last but not least, our huge thank you to Yukihiko Yaguchi for the fantastic interview opportunity.
We surely hope this can continue. We feel this is a great way for Lexus Corporate to connect with ClubLexus members and Lexus fans in general, and a fantastic way for them to learn about their customers.
So, what is Lexus sending up to the Clouds next year? We will be first to let you know – when we are allowed to tell you
Additional footage:
Courtesy of DCTRNGO
http://vimeo.com/47517970
Courtesy of Lexus USA
09-11-12, 08:17 AM
#2
Dysfunctional Veteran
WOW. I was JUST there, recognize the pictures. I have the CCR's skidmarks from the tire warm up in a pic somewhere. Nice work guys! To think I missed it. Had I been at pikes peak 2 weeks earlier I would have seen it all!
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