WALKER BACK ON PIKES PEAK FOR 5TH ATTEMPT AT GLORY
Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo is poised to welcome a host of elite drivers. Among them is Robert Walker of San Diego, CA. Walker will return for his fifth assault on the mountain, this time behind the wheel of the yet-to-be-revealed Evasive Motorsports 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and is set to compete in the Exhibition division.
Walker first launched up the 12.42 mile course on Pikes Peak in 2013 in a Scion FR-S. His time of 10:59.744 landed him in 9th place in the Unlimited division. But, in 2013, the mountain belonged to Sébastien Loeb as he crushed the competition, and the course record, with his unbelievable run of 08:13.878.
“Finishing the race in my rookie year of 2013 was absolutely surreal – it truly felt like a dream come true,” offered Walker. “For years, I had poured countless hours into playing the dirt version of Pikes Peak on Gran Turismo 2, so to finally be there in real life, actually racing up that iconic mountain, was almost like stepping out of the game and into reality.”
Walker continued, “Adding to that overwhelming feeling was the incredible caliber of drivers I was sharing the course with. Looking around the paddock and knowing that legends of the sport like Loeb, Millen, and ‘Monster’ Tajima were also competing was incredibly humbling and inspiring. To be on the same starting line, tackling the same course alongside such accomplished individuals, made that rookie finish even more special.”
IGNITING THE PASSION
Walker shared what sparked his interest in cars, and how that led to auto racing. “My family moved to Japan for a few years for work, so I spent my childhood exposed to tuner magazines, igniting a passion for tuner cars that continued after our return to the US. That eventually led to a strong relationship with Evasive Motorsports, as we shared an appreciation for the clean and functional aesthetic of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) time attack builds.”
“My passion for motorsport began in college with the original Gran Turismo on PlayStation, an import before its US debut. Although real racing started later, I spent countless hours sim racing, even with an early Logitech wheel and pedal set for Gran Turismo 2, before moving to PC titles like GTR2 and Race 07.
“Now, I still enjoy Gran Turismo 7, and despite advancements in wheel technology, I’m still searching for the perfect Pikes Peak course in a simulator. While some do exist, none are quite right, and even a promising PC rally game lacks realistic physics. The quest for the ultimate virtual Pikes Peak remains ongoing.”
“It’s not about a specific time or placing, but the collective sigh of relief, and shared joy of finishing, that truly stands out as my favorite Pikes Peak memory.”
Robert Walker
BEST FINISH
When Walker returned in 2014, he managed to shave 22 seconds off his rookie time with his clocking of 10:37.791 and claim 4th place in the Unlimited division in his Scion.
RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
Despite a disappointing outcome the following year, Walker shared the fortuitous location of his 2015 finish. “We were running a turbocharged FA20 engine paired with a Nissan 350z transmission. The car was actually a blast to drive – it felt incredibly light and responsive, with just enough power to get it to rotate and really play around at the limit.
“However, we battled boost creep throughout the week, and unfortunately, the engine finally gave way just after the Ragged Edge corner. It started to misfire as I approached the corner, and thankfully, the car came to a stop on the left side of the road, where a race official was stationed. That kind gentleman shared his water and food with me while we waited – I wish I could remember his name to thank him again!”
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF PIKES PEAK
When Walker returned to the mountain for the milestone 100th Anniversary in 2016, his fate was much the same as 2016, hard luck and a second DNF in the Time Attack 1 division.
Walker recalled, “In 2016, it was the same chassis but with a completely different configuration. We swapped out the FA20 for the infamous Toyota 2JZ engine with a single turbo, and upgraded to a sequential transmission, which allowed me to focus more on my driving.
“We knew going into the race that our weakest link was likely the rear driveline. Unfortunately, our concerns were realized in the upper gravel pit section. I hit a bump and, applying a bit too much throttle at the same time, the differential let go.
“While 2016 was disappointing, the significant changes we made to the car ultimately proved successful, as Dai Yoshihara took over the car in the subsequent years and achieved great results with it.”
Yoshihara (pictured above) won the Unlimited division in 2020 in the Toyota 86 with a time of 10:05.006.
HYUNDAI IONIC 5 N IN 2025
Walker was eager to share details of the new Pikes Peak build for 2025. “Evasive Motorsports is teaming up with Voltex Suzuka of Japan, a globally recognized leader in aerodynamic component manufacturing. Evasive serves as the US distributor for Voltex Suzuka, and together we’ve collaborated on numerous projects, including bringing successful aero kits like the S2000 kit to enthusiasts. Voltex is also well-regarded for their performance-focused wings. Their unique design philosophy emphasizes subtlety without sacrificing functionality, reflecting the clean lines and performance-driven aesthetic of Japanese tuner culture. We’re thrilled to be developing the groundbreaking first aerodynamic kit specifically for the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.”
Walker states he’s eager to return to America’s Mountain in June. “What I’m most looking forward to this year is the atmosphere of those early mornings before the chaos of practice day truly kicks in. There’s something incredibly special about that anticipation. I cherish those moments with the team, sharing a warm cup of noodles in the crisp mountain air as we watch the sunrise while making those final preparations to the car.”
After the success Hyundai enjoyed on the mountain in 2024, fans are eager to see this IONIC 5 N perform with Walker behind the wheel.
GET TO KNOW ROBERT WALKER
Instagram: @evasivemotorsports
Fun Facts:
“My daily driver is a 2025 IONIQ 5 N. I also have a modified ’92 NSX that I enjoy driving on weekends.”
“My family transitioned to electric vehicles in 2015 and I’m a huge advocate for EV technology. This is a significant reason for my excitement to race the IONIC 5 N at Pikes Peak this year.”
“One of my favorite YouTube channels is Out Of Spec Review, in Colorado.”
If you could race any car up Pikes Peak, what would it be: “Without a doubt it would be Sébastien Loeb’s Peugeot 208 T16 from 2013. I’m a huge fan of the World Rally Championship, and Loeb is a legend in that world. Seeing him take his incredible talent to the mountain was just fascinating. Witnessing Loeb absolutely obliterate the existing record in the 208 that year was an awe-inspiring experience. The sheer speed and ferocity of that car on the mountain were unforgettable.”
Notable Achievement: “In 2014, our team had the distinct honor of being among the first US entrants to compete in Japan’s prestigious Tsukuba Attack event, running alongside iconic Japanese tuner cars on their home turf at the renowned Tsukuba Circuit.”
Favorite Section: “For me, the top section of Pikes Peak in the early morning is an absolute favorite place to be. There’s a certain magic in the air – the low hum of generators, the focus of teams getting their machines ready, and the panoramic view as the sun comes up over the landscape. It’s a unique blend of focused intensity and serene beauty that really sets the stage for the day ahead. The only downside is the freezing temperatures we have to endure before sunrise.”
A Memory You’ll Never Forget: “That near-spin on a practice morning is definitely a vivid memory for me! What happened there was a real eye-opener. We had the boost control set up to give us maximum power in second gear, and looking back, I think I just took that corner a little too early. That Toyota 2J engine really comes on strong with the boost, and it seems like it might have just caught me off guard as it suddenly kicked in when I was already at full steering lock. Next thing I knew, the car was sideways and I was just along for the ride. It was a close call. Definitely a moment that shook me up and served as a good reminder of just how challenging and unforgiving that mountain can be. I wish I could say that I was intentionally drifting!”
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM WALKER’S 2016 PIKES PEAK RUN INCLUDING HIS PRACTICE DAY CLOSE CALL
Photos by: Larry Chen Photo – Larry Chen, Jason Zindroski. Scott Paine, Rob Miskowitch, Ryan Randels,Stephen Sullivan, Evasive Motorsports, Robert Walker, PPHC Archives.
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