OPTIMA Batteries is returning to the 101st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to charge the first-ever Rivian R1T to compete in the hill climb, the company announced.
Alongside the R1T, OPTIMA is also sponsoring Tanner Foust in a bespoke Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition, 2022 PPIHC winner Robin Shute, two-time PPIHC winner Rhys Millen and James Clay in the BimmerWorld BMW E36 M3. Each sponsored vehicle will be fitted with OPTIMA ORANGETOP HYPERCORE Lithium Quad-30 batteries, the company said.
Pikes Peak rookie Gardner Nichols will drive the G Autosport team’s Rivian R1T in the race. The only modifications made to the R1T include required safety equipment and approved modifications like high-performance DOT-rated Pirelli tires. Nichols will be competing for the all-new Production Truck/Van record.
Nichols will run two OPTIMA ORANGETOP Lithium Batteries in his Rivian to complement the factory 12-volt system and increase its available amp hours during this intense use situation. Along with the two ORANGETOPs, OPTIMA Batteries will help charge Nichols’ R1T and power the G Autosport team pit using the OPTIMA Power Station portable charging trailer unveiled at the 2022 SEMA Show alongside custom Rivian R1S and R1T overland rigs, the company said.
