MIDLAND businessman Jim Morris will compete in the 104th running of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado Springs, USA, on June 21, 2026, after receiving an invitation to the iconic event in early February this year.

Staying true to his family's Volkswagen roots, Morris has spent the past four years designing and building the ultimate Volkswagen Golf to tackle the legendary 12.42-mile course.

Featuring 156 corners and climbing to an altitude of more than 14,000 feet, Pikes Peak is one of the most demanding motorsport challenges in the world.

Morris's target is to break the current front-wheel-drive record of 10 minutes 48 seconds, which has stood since 2018.

"Having read about the mystique of Pikes Peak in Autosport magazine since I was a child, it has always been my ambition to compete," said Morris. "Just over four years ago I embarked on this project with a clear goal - to build a car capable of breaking the front-wheel-drive record."

The car has been designed and built by Morris's own preparation and restoration business, GTS Motorsport, based in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.

It showcases the engineering expertise and in-house products of Morris's motorsport companies, including Coventry-based Lifeline Fire & Safety Systems and Old Hall Performance Ltd and Trident Racing Supplies based at Silverstone.

Morris added: "Many elements of the car have been designed, manufactured and supplied in-house. That's a true testament to the skill and dedication of the talented teams across all our businesses."

Drawing on Morris's extensive global motorsport network, the project is supported by Alcon Brakes, Racetech Seats, Swindon Powertrain, Xtrac Transmissions, ATL Fuel Cells, MCS Suspension, Competition Supplies, Willie Poole Motorsport, VP Racing Fuels and Red Line Synthetic Oil.

The car's aerodynamic package has been designed by aerodynamicist John Iley.

Producing over 500 bhp, the Volkswagen Golf will begin an extensive testing programme in mid-February before being shipped to Colorado in early April.

Further testing will then take place on the mountain itself, ahead of the legendary ‘Race to the Clouds' in June.