There are some projects where it’s clear from the start that they mean more than just a single race. It’s not just a matter of signing up, preparing the car, and heading to the venue. It involves months of work, logistics, testing, training, and decisions that must be made with a full understanding of the scale of the challenge. This approach is particularly close to our philosophy as a panel manufacturer—in our projects, too, what matters is the process, precision, and responsible decision-making at every stage of the project.
That is exactly the challenge Maciej Serafin is taking on today — a multiple Polish and European hill climb champion who, in 2026, will become the first Pole in history to compete in the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds.
It is one of the most demanding hill climbs in the world. The route leading to the summit of Pikes Peak in Colorado is nearly 20 kilometers long and consists of 156 turns. The start is at an elevation of about 2,800 meters above sea level, and the finish line is at 4,300 meters above sea level. These numbers alone show just how extreme the challenge is. But this race isn’t just about the length of the course or the pace of the run. There’s also the thin air, reduced physical performance, changing weather conditions, snow near the summit, icy roads, and a route that runs along cliffs, often without any guardrails.
That is precisely why Pikes Peak has captured the imagination of drivers from around the world for over a century. Completing this challenge brings immense prestige, as only those who pass a very rigorous selection process and prove they have the necessary experience, technical capabilities, and organizational resources are allowed to compete. For many, it’s a dream that never gets past the planning stage. Maciej Serafin decided to make that dream a reality.
At Feltdecor, we particularly value stories like these—projects that require courage, discipline, and a long-term perspective. Projects in which it’s not just the end result that matters, but the entire journey toward the goal. That’s why we’re proud to support Maciej Serafin as he prepares for this historic race. This support is based not only on our brand’s presence but, above all, on our identification with a man who is taking on a challenge that goes far beyond his comfort zone.
In this article, we want to explain why this launch is so special, what participating in the Race to the Clouds really entails, and why, for us, it’s more than just a sports partnership. It’s a story of ambition, pioneering spirit, and perseverance. It’s also about how sometimes the most important things begin where most people say it’s impossible.
Why is Pikes Peak one of the toughest races in the world?
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb has been capturing drivers’ imaginations for over a century—and for good reason. It is the second-oldest car race in the U.S., held since 1916 on the slopes of Pikes Peak in Colorado. The history alone is impressive, but what makes this event truly unique is, above all, the course and the conditions under which it must be tackled
We’re talking about a 12.42-mile stretch—nearly 20 kilometers—consisting of 156 turns. The start is at an elevation of about 9,390 feet, and the finish line is at 14,115 feet, which corresponds roughly to an elevation change from about 2,860 to 4,300 meters above sea level. The elevation difference alone shows that this isn’t a race where it’s enough to just drive fast. Here, every kilometer means a change in conditions for both the driver and the car.
Altitude makes a huge difference here. The thin air affects physical endurance, concentration, and reaction times, while also impacting the car’s performance. That’s why Pikes Peak is a test not only of speed, but also of physical, technical, and mental preparedness. In this race, you can’t rely solely on courage. You need precision, experience, and the ability to perform under pressure in conditions that change from minute to minute.
Added to this are the characteristics of the route itself. The road is winding, the exposure is high, and a significant portion of the route runs along cliffs. Weather conditions are variable: it may be warm at the start, while near the summit there is snow on the ground, temperatures drop below freezing, and the road surface can be icy. It’s not uncommon for participants to have to break through a layer of clouds before reaching the final stretch leading to the finish line.
That is precisely why finishing Pikes Peak carries such great prestige in motorsports. It’s not just another overseas event or another stop on the calendar. It’s a ticket into the ranks of competitors who have taken on one of the most demanding hill climbs in the world. The very fact that the organizers only allow select drivers and teams with the appropriate experience to compete demonstrates the scale of this challenge.
And that is precisely why Maciej Serafin’s participation this year is so significant. It’s not just about the sporting result. It’s about taking part in an event that has been a symbol of courage, preparation, and the willingness to push boundaries for decades. For Polish motorsports, this is a truly special moment.
Why Maciej Serafin’s debut is historic for Poland
In the case of this project, we’re not just talking about an ambitious debut abroad. We’re talking about something no Polish driver has ever done before. According to the published list of competitors for the 104th edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Maciej Serafin has qualified for the Time Attack 1 class and will start with number 88 behind the wheel of a Honda Civic TCR / JAS. This marks the first official participation of a Polish representative in this legendary race.
It is precisely this fact that lends the entire endeavor such great prestige. Pikes Peak has long been regarded in the world of motorsports as a unique event, but until now, no Pole has even attempted to take on the Race to the Clouds. Maciej Serafin himself has stated outright that it is precisely this pioneering aspect that is one of his most important motivations. For him, competing in Colorado has both a sporting and a symbolic dimension. It’s about blazing a trail and showing that a Polish driver and a Polish team can take their place on the starting grid of one of the world’s toughest races.
He’s not just some random driver who decided to try something new. Maciej Serafin is a multiple Polish and European champion in hillclimb racing. He has the experience that provides the athletic foundation needed to take on such a demanding challenge. But Pikes Peak is on a different scale. Different conditions. Different logistics. Different responsibilities. That’s why this race is so important from the perspective of the entire motorsports community in Poland. It shows that it’s possible to think bigger and more boldly.
The historical significance of this achievement, therefore, does not stem solely from the phrase “the first Pole.” It stems from the sheer scale of the undertaking—from the necessity of passing the selection process, from preparing the car to operate at high altitudes, From organizing transportation to the U.S. From building the technical infrastructure for a project that no one in Poland had ever undertaken before. All of this makes this race an important moment not only for Maciej Serafin, but also for Poland’s presence on the international hillclimb racing scene.
And that is precisely why we at Feltdecor hold this project in such high regard. Because we’re not just supporting the driver—we’re supporting a defining moment. One that goes down in history for its courage, preparation, and willingness to go beyond the familiar.
What are the preparations for Pikes Peak like?
For this race, experience alone isn’t enough. As Maciej himself says, preparations are focused on three areas: the car, physical fitness, and logistics. The team must fine-tune the specially purchased car by installing a new engine, cooling system, computer, and barometric sensors. At the same time, the driver is working on his endurance at the gym, on the treadmill, and in the pool; he’s training to function at high altitudes; and he drives on a simulator every day. The third element is logistics, which involves shipping the car to the U.S., visa formalities, and paperwork.
Why are Feltdecor and ARPI Group supporting this project?
At Feltdecor, we value projects that require courage, dedication, and thorough preparation. Maciej Serafin’s run at Pikes Peak is exactly that. It’s not a spontaneous decision or a one-off event, but a major undertaking backed by experience, teamwork, and a clearly defined goal: to become the first Pole in history to take on the legendary Race to the Clouds.
For us, sponsoring this project is more than just having our brand present at a sporting event. It’s about supporting a person who is taking on a real challenge and consistently paving the way to compete in one of the toughest mountain races in the world. These are the kinds of stories that resonate with us. We like projects that are ambitious, demanding, and carried out with full commitment.
That is why we are proud to support Maciej Serafin as he prepares for Pikes Peak 2026, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for his race on June 21. This is an important moment not only for the driver himself, but also for Polish motorsports.
Summary
Maciej Serafin’s participation in the 2026 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a unique project because it combines sporting experience with a pioneering aspect for Polish motorsports. This marks the first official participation by a Polish driver in the legendary Race to the Clouds, a race held on a course spanning nearly 20 kilometers and featuring 156 turns, climbing from an altitude of approximately 2,860 to 4,300 meters above sea level. The sheer scale of this challenge alone shows that we’re talking about something much bigger than just a simple race entry.
For Feltdecor, this sponsorship is a show of support for a project driven by ambition, dedication, and the immense amount of work done even before reaching the starting line. Preparing the car, physical training, and finalizing the logistics show that Pikes Peak begins long before the race in Colorado. That is why we proudly cheer on Maciej Serafin on his way to the summit and are delighted to be part of an endeavor that is already making its mark as a significant moment for Poland’s presence on the international hill climb racing scene.