Today marks race day for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2015 and the car set to be driven by respected time attack competitor Robert Walker has been revealed. Walker’s specially designed Scion FR-S comes courtesy of Evasive motorsports, GReddy Racing and Mackin Industries.
The car is competing in the Time Attack 1 Division for production-based two and four-wheel drive cars. The car was initially unveiled at SEMA in late 2013 but since then, has undergone a range of upgrades in the lead up to this year’s ‘Race to the Clouds’.
Discussing this year’s Pikes Peak, Walker said “This will be my third race at Pikes Peak. Experience is especially important at an event like this. We only drive the road at speed in its entirety once each year – on race day. That can be intimidating to any driver. I’m counting on the experience the team and I have gained to give me a heads-up in the competition.”
Beneath the skin, the Mackin FR-S unsurprisingly features a host of bespoke parts. For example, it includes a larger turbocharger, improved engine and drivetrain cooling systems, an E85 fuel system and a custom ECU. A range of new aerodynamic components have also been fitted.
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“TORRANCE, Calif. (June 23, 2015) – Respected Time Attack competitor, Robert Walker will again campaign a Scion FR-S in Colorado’s legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) on June 28. A collaborative effort between Evasive Motorsports, GReddy Racing and Mackin Industries, this year marks Walker’s third attempt to tame the challenging 12.5-mile, 156-turn course that ascends to the summit 14,110 feet above sea level.
Previously, Walker competed at the PPIHC in the Evasive Motorsports Time Attack Scion FR-S, which debuted at the 2012 SEMA show and competed successfully on both a national and international level in Time Attack events. For 2015, Walker will be at the wheel of the Mackin Industries FR-S, in the Time Attack 1 Division for production-based two-and four-wheel drive vehicles. The Mackin FR-S debuted at SEMA as a special project build in 2013, appeared on multiple magazine covers and captured several podium finishes in FRS Street Class events in the U.S.
“This will be my third race at Pikes Peak,” said Walker. “Experience is especially important at an event like this. We only drive the road at speed in its entirety once each year – on race day. That can be intimidating to any driver. I’m counting on the experience the team and I have gained to give me a heads-up in the competition.”
As if the course itself weren’t challenging enough, the high altitude tests both vehicle and driver. Lower air density saps significant amounts of horsepower and can cause overheating, as well as reduce effectiveness of aero modifications. Hence, the Mackin FR-S is modified with a larger turbo charger, improved engine/drivetrain cooling systems, a stand-alone ECU, an E85 fuel system and also benefits from reduced weight and a more aggressive aero package.
Further complicating matters, weather and road surface conditions can vary literally by the minute on the mountain. While the race may start in bright sunshine, it’s not uncommon to encounter heavy rain and even snow enroute to the summit, making the team’s tire selection crucial for a successful run.
The 2015 event marks Scion’s 5th consecutive year at the famed event, where it will endeavor to improve on last year’s 3rd in class finish with top drift driver Ken Gushi at the wheel.
“Scion Racing is proud to partner with Mackin Industries and Robert Walker to tackle the unique challenge that is the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb,” said Landy Joe, Scion auto shows and special events manager. “We believe it’s a perfect venue to validate the strong performance characteristics of the FR-S, under perhaps the most extreme conditions in motorsports.”
For more information about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, visit www.ppihc.com. For videos and interviews with Walker after the race, visit www.scionracing.com.”
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