Robin Shute's SendyCar: The Most Extreme Car at Pikes Peak

Key Takeaways

• Robin Shute’s SendyCar is a custom-built, 1300-pound, 850-hp open-wheeler
• The car features a 2.3-liter engine derived from a BMW S1000 RR engine
• Shute estimates the car will accelerate at a force of 2 g, even from 100 mph
• The aerodynamic elements were designed by Shute himself using CAD software and CFD simulations
• Shute plans to return to Pikes Peak next year with refined aerodynamics and a lighter car

A Custom-Built Car for the Ages

As a four-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner, Robin Shute is no stranger to the mountain. But this year, he’s returning with something entirely new: a custom-built, 1300-pound, 850-hp open-wheeler dubbed the SendyCar.

In my experience, building a car from scratch is no easy feat. But Shute and his team, the Sendy Club, have taken on the challenge with gusto. The result is a car that’s not only incredibly powerful but also remarkably light.

So, what makes the SendyCar so special? For starters, it features a 2.3-liter engine derived from a BMW S1000 RR engine. This engine produces a staggering 850 hp, which is impressive enough on its own. But when you consider that the car weighs just 1300 pounds, you start to get an idea of just how extreme this vehicle is.

Aerodynamics Play a Crucial Role

When it comes to building a car for Pikes Peak, aerodynamics play a crucial role. Shute himself designed the aerodynamic elements of the SendyCar using CAD software and CFD simulations. This process involved laying out the basic dimensions of the car and then running simulations to see how it would perform.

As Shute notes, designing a car like the SendyCar is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of aerodynamics and engineering. It’s not just about making a pretty picture; it’s about creating a working machine that can perform at the highest level.

Table: SendyCar Specifications

Weight	Engine	Power	Acceleration
1300 pounds	2.3-liter, BMW S1000 RR-derived engine	850 hp	2 g, even from 100 mph

Acceleration and Downforce

So, how does the SendyCar perform on the mountain? According to Shute, the car will accelerate at a force of 2 g, even from 100 mph. This is thanks in part to the car’s incredible power-to-weight ratio, as well as its advanced aerodynamics.

But acceleration is only half the story. The SendyCar also produces over 1100 pounds of downforce at 100 mph, which is crucial for maintaining traction on the mountain’s twisty roads.

A Years-Long Project

Building a car like the SendyCar is a years-long project that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Shute and his team have been working on this project for years, and it’s clear that they’re passionate about what they do.

As Shute notes, building a car like the SendyCar is not just about winning races; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s about creating something truly unique and innovative, and that’s exactly what the SendyCar is.

What’s Next for the SendyCar?

So, what’s next for the SendyCar? Shute plans to return to Pikes Peak next year with refined aerodynamics and a lighter car. He estimates that he can cut 80 or even 90 pounds of weight out of the car, which would make it even more competitive.

Whether or not the SendyCar will eventually beat the overall record set by Romain Dumas in a Volkswagen ID.R remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the SendyCar is an incredible achievement that showcases the ingenuity and creativity of Robin Shute and his team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SendyCar?

The SendyCar is a custom-built, 1300-pound, 850-hp open-wheeler designed and built by Robin Shute and his team, the Sendy Club.

What engine does the SendyCar use?

The SendyCar features a 2.3-liter engine derived from a BMW S1000 RR engine.

How much downforce does the SendyCar produce?

The SendyCar produces over 1100 pounds of downforce at 100 mph.