Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI Ready For 2006 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Three 2006 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDIs will embark upon the demanding climb to the 14,100-foot Pikes Peak summit in the 84th running of the Race to the Clouds. On July 1, pro-drivers Mark Miller, Danny Sullivan and Ryan Arciero will set out to show that the Touareg's precise German engineering and powerful V10 TDI engine can handle even the most challenging driving conditions.

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, or Race to the Clouds, is a 12.4-mile course with quick straights and 156 hairpin turns on terrain that alternates between pavement and gravel--mostly without guardrails. The Touaregs will run in the Luxury SUV division piloted by the professional drivers.

Off-road champion Mark Miller competed in the 2006 Dakar Rally as a factory Volkswagen Motorsports driver. During his racing career, he has secured multiple first place finishes in the Baja series and competed at Pikes Peak in 2000. Danny Sullivan is one of the most highly acclaimed race car drivers in the world with significant performances in Formula One, Le Mans Sports Car and Indy Car leagues, as well as winning the 1985 Indy 500. Ryan Arciero holds 40 career wins, including three Baja 1000 and multiple Baja 500 championships, a Nevada 2000 Trophy Truck championship and a USAC "Rookie of the Year" title. He also competed in the 2005 Dakar Rally.