Welcome to Autoxchange - Globespotting


	Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 19 August 2007 Carmel, California, USA

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an event that highlights the art of the automobile. On the 18th hole of the very famous and exclusive Pebble Beach golf course, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can see some of the most rare, beautiful and painstakingly restored cars on the planet.

The event was first held in 1950 and has marked its place firmly on the world automotive calendar. It's a tribute to some of the most stunning and historically significant cars ever made. Those who enter their cars in the Concours, which is one of the most competitive events in the

automotive world – obviously only for the very well heeled – ensure that every single nut, bolt and washer is exactly how it was, if not a little shinier, than the day it came from the factory.

You'll also see a few different exhibits at the event including concept cars from different manufacturers, famous personalities and past racing champions, and all in one of the most scenic parts of the world.


	Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Rocky Mountains Colorado, USA

Something very special takes place every year in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado – it's known as the ‘Race to the Clouds.' The Pikes Peak Hill Climb consists of 159 turns of half tarmac and dirt, covering 12.5 miles that lead from 9,000 to 14,000 feet – with sheer drops upto 6,000 feet off the mountainside.

The 85th running of Pikes Peak took place on 21st July, where Nobuhiro Tajima, President of Suzuki Sport, set a time of 10 minutes 1 second in his Suzuki Sport XL7 Hill Climb Special – finally braking the 13 year record held by Australian Rod Millen in a Toyota. Tajima's Suzuki features a 3.6 litre, twin turbo, V6 that produces over 1,000 horsepower.

In 1985, Michele Mouton, the most famous woman rally driver of all time and the only woman to ever win a WRC event, won Pikes Peak in an Audi Sport Quattro. "The hillclimb itself was very difficult as it's very fast and quite narrow with no markers and sheer drops off the side – the event's 'Race to the Clouds' title is very true – and I think it was probably the toughest challenge in my career," said Mouton.

Pikes Peak is truly one of the great events on the annual motorsports calendar. There is one thing, however, it's referred to as the highest race in the world – a claim that I believe belongs to our very own Raid de Himalaya.