Pinkham Notch NH: 2026 is an exciting year ahead for the Mt. Washington Auto Road. In addition to the milestone of celebrating 120 years of being family-owned and operated, the return of a crowd-favorite signature event–Climb to the Clouds–newly dubbed "The Paul Giblin Memorial Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb" is slated for August 7–9, 2026. 

Paul “Gib” Giblin arrived at the 1990 Mt. Washington Hill Climb planning only to crew for two friends—Dave Patten and Drew Young. But when a key member of the organizing team couldn’t make it, Gib stepped forward without hesitation. In that moment, something clicked for him, and he never looked back. What began as a simple act of helping out turned into a lifelong commitment, launching a career of dedicating himself to every Climb To The Clouds event from that year until his passing in 2022.

Gib was a true motorsports enthusiast, and this event was one of his greatest passions. His background as Marketing Director for both Mount Washington Auto Road and Vermont Sports Car, combined with his status as a lifetime member of Sports Car Club of NH gave him a unique blend of experience and insight. But it was his unwavering drive—his insistence on making this event the very best hillclimb in the country—that elevated his contributions from skillful to extraordinary.

He did whatever it took to bring this event to life. In many ways, he was a one-man band, guiding and shaping every detail from beginning to end. Only now, as the team prepares for the upcoming event without him, is the full measure of his work becoming truly clear. The time, the effort, the meticulous care—Gib poured his heart into it all.

Naming this event after him isn’t just appropriate; it is deeply deserved. It stands as a testament to the countless hours, the hard work, and the love he invested to ensure this hillclimb was a world-class experience.

Beyond motorsports, Gib was the embodiment of what it means to be a friend, a brother, a Veteran and a genuinely good human being. He was unfailingly positive, endlessly helpful, and completely selfless. To know Gib was to know someone you could always count on—no matter the need, no matter the hour. His passing left a void not just in this event, but in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to call him family or friend.

The world lost a truly remarkable person when Gib left us, but his spirit, his passion, and his kindness continue to guide the event he loved so dearly.

What to Expect for 2026
The Paul Giblin Memorial Climb to the Clouds Hillclimb, co-organized by Sports Car Club of New Hampshire and the Mt. Washington Auto Road, promises plenty of excitement from start to finish during this multi-day motorsports festival. Spectators of this car race will enjoy thrilling action and views on the steep, curvy, and picturesque Mt. Washington Auto Road. For over a century, Climb to the Clouds has embodied automotive adventure and performance. Predating Pikes Peak and the Indy 500, this historic event captivates racers and enthusiasts alike. From a daring ascent up a rugged dirt road to a tradition attracting top-tier drivers, Climb to the Clouds boasts a rich history in progressing automotive technology, and triumphing against the elements. 

The first timed ascent of Mt. Washington was done in 1899 in a Stanley Steamer by F.O. Stanley. Over the next century, gasoline cars set record after record as automotive technology progressed. In 2014, the first pair of electric vehicles entered competition, one driven by 1990 record holder Tim O’Neil. Subsequent events have had increasing numbers of electric entries, and we expect the trend to continue.

Unlike most forms of motorsport, Hill Climb racing offers a unique format that benefits electric cars. The short duration, and need for instantaneous torque not only level the playing field, but gives EVs the edge in competition. As of 2025, the current record at Pikes Peak is currently held by an all-electric Volkswagen I.D set in 2018. We expect the next Mt. Washington record to fall to an electric vehicle. The current Climb to the Clouds record is an astonishing 5 minutes and 28.67 seconds set in 2020 by Travis Pastrana in a 2020 Subaru WRX STI. 2026 marks the first year the Auto Road will be fully paved for this event–conditions that favor a new record time!