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Robert Walker to Return to Pikes Peak in Mackin FR-S

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Mackin Industries Scion FR-S at Pikes Peak

The Mackin Industries Scion FR-S

After months of training and preparation, drivers are almost ready to take on the 93rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb—a challenging race that puts competitors’ skills to the max. The course winds along 12.5 miles of mountainous road on Colorado’s Pikes Peak, ending at the mountain’s summit which stands 14,110 feet above sea level. Drivers must navigate a total of 156 turns, making this no race for beginners. This year, Robert Walker will return to Pikes Peak for the third time, driving a Scion FR-S in an attempt to make it to the finish first.

The car that Walker will drive is the Mackin Industries FR-S—a special project build that appeared at SEMA in 2013. The car already has several podium finishes in FRS Street Class events to its name, and now it’ll aim for the same at Pikes Peak alongside Walker. Both will face challenges posed by high altitude, which can affect horsepower and cause overheating. The Mackin FR-S’ large turbo charger, stand-alone ECU, reduced weight, improved engine and drivetrain cooling systems, and E85 fuel system should help combat some of the challenges posed by racing such a difficult course.

2015 marks the fifth consecutive year that Scion has competed at Pikes Peak. Last year, the automaker finished third in class, and hopes to improve upon that this year with help from Robert Walker.

“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,” explained 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.”

The 93rd running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place this Sunday, June 28th.