Bentley Bentayga to tackle Pikes Peak with Rhys Millen

Bentley has announced two-time Pikes Peak overall winner Rhys Millen as the pilot for its next attempt at claiming a Pikes Peak record.

But Millen will be going for the SUV record, currently set at 12:35.61, and he’ll be driving a Bentayga.

The drifting pro and rally expert will take the wheel of a Bentayga built by Bentley’s motorsport department, which has been built as close to production standard as possible.

Though the Bentayga is mildly race-prepped, it still houses the same 447kW/900Nm twin-turbo W12 engine found in a standard Bentayga.

A full roll cage, onboard fire suppression system, racing seats and harnesses have been added for safety, while production-spec tyres come from Pirelli, and a custom exhaust system from Akrapovic.

Aside from that, the Bentayga will remain stock-spec down to its air-suspension.

Now 45-years-old, the driver from NZ says he’s excited to get back to the top of the mountain.

“The opportunity to race with Bentley at Pikes Peak is one that I couldn’t pass up,” Millen says.

“I visited the Bentley factory in Crewe, England last month and was amazed at the level of skill that goes in to handcrafting these cars.

“I also had the chance to drive the race-prepared car for the first time and was blown away by the performance that’s already available.

“I’m really looking forward to preparing for the race, competing on the mountain with Bentley and hopefully claiming a new SUV record.”

Bentley’s motorsport director Brian Gush is confident Millen can reach that goal.

“With two previous overall victories to his name, Rhys’ credentials speak for themselves.

“His knowledge of the course, his professionalism as a competitor and his enthusiasm for the project make him the perfect choice for us.

“In the Bentayga we’ve given Rhys the perfect opportunity to claim another Pikes Peak record, and I’m confident he can set an impressive time when the race takes place.”