Paul Jenness of Jenness Racing has been racing cars since 2003. In 2004, the Colorado Hill Climb Association dubbed Jenness “rookie of the year.”Jenness is from Falcon, and auto racing is a family affair. His pit crew is comprised of his dad (also Paul), his two sons, Paul and Zack, and his nephew, Shea. Jenness’s wife, Heather, and her mother handle the business side of car racing.His race: the sportsman division; his car, a 1977 Chevy Camaro.”The Colorado Hill Climb Association is based on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb,” Jenness said. “We just wanted to have more races throughout the season.”There are five races this season.This is the first year Jenness has received sponsors, in part, thanks to his wife, he said. Their sponsors include the Falcon Car Wash, American Liquors, CMH liquors, Command Realty and Curves.The races began Mother’s Day weekend in Canyon City and end Aug. 26 in Grand Junction, Colo., with races every two to three weeks in Monarch, Buena Vista and Victor.Jenness races up mountain roads, from three to five miles uphill, sometimes with a sheer drop off one side, he said. All races are a timed event, which means the drivers race one at a time. The driver in each class with the best time at the end of the day is the winner. There are 11 divisions, ranging from cars and trucks to ATVs.This kind of racing is friendly and drivers often help each other out, Jenness said. “At my last race, I was having car problems and everyone was helping out between runs,” he said.A typical race weekend begins on Saturday. Each driver is permitted four practice runs, and the best of the four is the qualifying time. On Sunday, the drivers are allowed two runs. The better of the two runs places the driver.At the last race, Jenness placed third in his class. He is third in the standings for the season.His family is proud and happy to be participating.”It really is a family event that we all enjoy,” Heather Jenness said.The Colorado Hill Climb Association meets every month in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.chcaracing.com.
