Robin Shute piloted his custom open-wheeler, nicknamed "SendyCar," to a new Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The feat ranks among the most punishing automotive achievements possible, requiring a driver to navigate 156 turns across nearly 12.42 miles of elevation gain at Colorado's 14,115-foot peak.
Open-wheel hill climb specials occupy a unique niche in motorsport. Unlike production-based vehicles, these purpose-built machines strip away everything unnecessary and maximize power-to-weight ratios. SendyCar represents this ethos completely, engineered specifically for Pikes Peak's vertical assault. The vehicle's lightweight construction and extreme power output transform what would be a grueling challenge in any car into a knife-edge exercise in precision and bravery.
Pikes Peak records carry outsized prestige within motorsport circles. The hill climb demands mastery across multiple disciplines. Drivers face unpredictable weather, thin air that reduces engine output at elevation, and a narrow road that penalizes any hesitation. Wet pavement, gravel patches, and sudden visibility changes occur regularly. The event has historically served as a testing ground for cutting-edge automotive technology, from hybrid powertrains to electric drivetrains chasing faster times.
Shute's RWD record adds another data point to Pikes Peak's competitive landscape. All-wheel-drive systems have dominated the hill climb in recent years, offering superior traction on unpredictable surfaces. An RWD vehicle setting a record reflects either exceptional driver skill, clever mechanical engineering, or both. The video documentation adds credibility and entertainment value, allowing viewers to experience the climb's intensity from an onboard perspective.
This record demonstrates that traditional mechanical setups still command respect at the highest levels of automotive competition. While electrification and AW