Tony Brakohiapa was planning to bring this former Formula DRIFT Mustang to Colorado to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb later this month, but then the car’s engine threw a wrench into that plan. Images: Tony Brakohiapa

It’s that time of year again when dozens of high-performance cars try their luck at the annual Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and with the race just two weeks away, everyone is in go-mode for their last-minute preparations. But as we told you back in April, one particular competitor is making more than just adjustments to his car- he’s also making adjustments to his racing career. Of course, we’re talking about former Formula DRIFT driver Tony Brakohiapa who planned to take his former Formula DRIFT ride, a nearly 1,000 hp S197 Mustang, to new heights this season as he takes on the famed mountain race in his home state. Here’s the latest updates on his preparations.

Over 90mph through Turn 10 at Sonoma and an overall lap time of 1:52 is all fun and games until something breaks in your engine!

Since Brakohiapa announced his intentions to race in the 2014 running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a lot of prep work has gone into his former drift car to get it ready for the high-altitude mountain climb. Unfortunately, during some baseline runs at Sonoma Raceway, the Mustang’s engine “went south” as Brakohiapa put it, causing the racer and stunt driver to resort to plan B for the upcoming race.

This means that Brakohiapa will not (we repeat, will not) be racing his 1,000hp former Formula D car at Pikes Peak this year, but he will still be competing in a respectable Mustang- a 2005 model that Steve Saleen built for Brakohiapa’s Formula D stint back in the day. Though it won’t be the 1,000 hp beast, this car should still be a crowd-pleaser with around 500 hp.

Due to engine issues with his other car, Brakohiapa will be racing this 2005 former Formula DRIFT Mustang at Pikes Peak instead of his 1,000hp beast.

This Mustang is currently being worked on, and according to Brakohiapa’s latest Facebook update, being tuned by Swanson Performance in Torrance, CA to get some extra horsepower out of the engine. With this backup car fully in the works now, Brakohiapa is getting the tune and best power numbers set before bringing the car to Colorado for some aero work and a few “other bits” to finish up the project before the big race.

Though we’re disappointed to hear that Brakohiapa won’t be taking his latest former Formula D car up Pikes Peak this year, we’re happy that he will still be competing in what is sure to still be a stellar car!

Stay tuned to see how Brakohiapa fairs against some of the greatest drivers in the world at the 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb at the end of the month!