What Makes This Race Car Faster

How do you build a race car that goes fast? Faster than anyone else? I hung out with the fastest team at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to find out.
Full on-board video of Shute's winning run: • Pikes Peak 2021 Fastes...
Helmet cam: • Robin Shute | Full Run...
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a special breed of racing where the clever privateers and the big dollar factory teams race against each other, and the mountain, to 14,115 feet. I joined the winning team so that I could learn all their secrets of speed, and then share them with you.
Photos and videos courtesy of: / stephensullivanphoto
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Instagram - / superfastmatt
Facebook - / superfastmatt
Twitter - / superfast

[@lawrences1347]

If my engineering lectures were delivered this sarcastically I might have shown up more.

[@johntechwriter]

“Ironically” is a more suitable word. Nice people are not sarcastic.

[@17091996climber]

Me to man, me to 🤣

[@urgaynknowit]

Amen

[@toddsmash]

I genuinely like the way you tell stories SuperfastMatt.

[@shardsofcontent4829]

“Lots of people can build a race car but it takes a team of engineers to BARELY build a race car” 😵‍💫 Great video! … a fantastic inside tour at Pikes Peak.

[@TimOdell]

I had a prof that always talked about The Perfect Racecar. The Perfect Racecar is the one that completes the race then immediately disintegrates. Anything more durable than that was overbuilt and too heavy.

[@kyleflowers2641]

Best coverage I've ever seen of the event. Thanks for making this.

[@SuperfastMatt]

Wow, thank you!

[@JoshuaKuntz57]

Agreed. I've been watching the Unplugged Performance videos. They have been good, but my eyes lit up when I saw this video pop up

[@3Derik]

+1

[@dmanww]

Agree. Really appreciate your writing and editing style Matt. Well done. Looking forward to more of the build vids.

[@KT-ur7pi]

The drivers use oxygen!?, I needed to breathe into a paper bag this was so exciting. PS I fall asleep watching F1

[@HugoGresse]

You're probably going to rocket sky the YouTUbe algorithm some day, your video are fun, interesting, full of engineering compromise, and very well narated. Keep on!

[@sircod]

The Algorithm brought me here today and I am glad it did!

[@CED99]

@@sircod praise the algorithm!

[@ionutelu5288]

@@sircod same

[@haeikou]

I've just found this through related videos and it's absolute quality stuff.

[@ettogrammo]

Literally right now lol

[@SteveBrownRacing]

I remember explaining my time attack car to an old boss, he asked if I was using composites for light weight... I answered that it was normally better for performance to not have the part at all. I do recall he liked to over-process things

[@Crlarl]

Air is lighter than composites.

[@lrowlands53]

Hey Matt, I don't know if you realise how engaging, informing and entertaining your videos are - you should. The quality of every component, the commentary and pacing are absolutely spot on. I wish you the prosperity of being taken up by corporate money for a high flying show, but I hope you stay with the format we know and love here. This stuff is beyond legendary. and some of the best material on the subject of automotive engineering anywhere. Thanks for your efforts.

[@SuperfastMatt]

Wow, thank you!

[@shannons1886]

“Thesaurus front splitters” 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CED99]

This is the way

[@robertwoodliff2536]

................can we meet on the road to Morocco..

[@StephenFasciani]

@@CED99 I love that show

[@TimSavage-drummer]

Nice callout to Britten. Local legend where I'm from.

[@Alanbataar]

Legend, full stop.

[@jimrobcoyle]

Carbon fiber rope chassis! Amen!

[@joshuagies4900]

+1 for that. I managed to get my hands on a VHS tape years ago about Britten's design/building/racing at Daytona. The fact that he brazed a crack in the cylinder wall the night before the race, and the only reason the bike lost was due to a Ducati regulator was amazing. Him jumping up and down like a kid at Christmas seeing the bike run so well is still one of the most poignant, beautiful things I've seen. Absolute legend, absolute genius. I didn't even know the man personally, and still felt the loss of his passing.

[@zedavia]

That coverage was fantastic. Really excited to see the race next year.

[@H4K4LA]

4 days away! Shute qualified first again!

[@kyran5294]

Well that was a very fast 26 minutes this is probably your best video yet, nice job!

[@toddsmash]

I believe its "Superfast"...not "very fast".

[@dfabeagle718]

Holy crap, I didn't even realize it was that long, had to double check! Best use of 26 minutes today. :)

[@MikeDS49]

Your videos are a beautiful mix of well-presented, high-grade info and brilliant low-key humor. Thanks for another excellent video Matt.

[@ClaudeSac]

Agreed.

[@jobsingames]

I was going to say " get on with the build and stop getting distracted" but no, I quite enjoyed this video :-) bravo.

[@ChrisZBr0wn]

By far the best censor I've ever seen. Made the whole video.

[@natedole8276]

I missed it. Where?

[@jackiePOGU]

@@natedole8276 26:01 a woman flashed her knockers

[@elliottfarleigh9446]

if you slow the video down and go frame by frame, I need to get out more...

[@GleepGlop2]

I doubt Pikes Peak will ever be in a Gran Turismo game again unfortunately - the studio isn't hungry anymore, they just do the bare minimum and don't have enough competition...

[@Alanbataar]

Thank you, as always, for a delightful video. A) Wow, Shute is SMOOTH. B) Yes, racing are hard. I think most new racers underestimate the effort it takes just to arrive at the track, on time, with functional equipment... doubly so if you're not a trustafarian. For example, I roadraced motorcycles for 6 years. The first race of my second season, I left my helmet at home. C) I crewed for a sidecar team in 2011 (the last year of dirt sections, the year Monster Tajima broke 10 minutes.) It was one of the best experiences of my life. Everything about it just seems designed to amp up your emotions. The epic skill & bravery of the racers, the loyalty and grit in the face of adversity of the crews, the mind-boggling danger, the crazy hours, the bizarre sleeping arrangements, the basic difficulties of managing 10k people on a 2 lane road... I need to go again, and I'd love to support a team again. All hail the algorithm.

[@jamesgilboy9302]

As someone who has volunteered at the PPIHC and covered it as media, you absolutely nailed every aspect of this. There's no race like Pikes Peak.

[@TheHeadTaco]

Holy shit, I drove there from Buffalo NY this year, I can’t believe I didn’t know you were there, I would’ve been ecstatic to meet you. If you’re there next year, I hope to do so!

[@TheHeadTaco]

I was one of the volunteers who had to close down the pits because of the bears, most of my day before the race was spent watching them to make sure they didn’t come down and attack anyone

[@backyardmechanix]

Just ask Dodge. Thank you Matt for this.

[@juanordonezgalban2278]

8,4L go Brrrrr

[@brickhousejesus8838]

What’s lazy about a NA v10? Am i dumb for not getting this joke?

[@actschp1]

First time I've encountered the Zach head unit of measurement. I'd imagine it would be a great constant for rotational inertia. Zh = L/w

[@drewdane40]

I thought Matt might have been showing off his big-brain engineer credentials when he referenced the Zach Head. I'm glad I'm not the only one brave enough to admit that it's new to me.

[@emptynite7359]

is zach's head a metric or standard unit? just wanna know if it's divisible by 10 lol

[@paulwiggans3692]

@@emptynite7359 Everything is divisible by 10.

[@hlundy9997]

@@paulwiggans3692 he tried, just way too hard..

[@AndrewSavasoMusic]

​@@emptynite7359 Do you use the circumference, the length, the width, the height, or some combination?

[@DrKnow-ye6rv]

Take that plaid powertrain, stick it in a lightweight aero racer, and you have next year's winner. Blasting a big four-door luxury sedan into the top 10 is stunning.

[@reidm1762]

Simply excellent. The race, the insider look, your explanations, the WIN and boobs on the way down the hill to celebrate! You nailed it.

[@alairlibreinsfreie5785]

i enjoied every moment of your film. you win the car documentary class this season. with your one-man-doing-it-on-his-own-but-with-all-his-hart show you outclass most big tv production stuff by being intelligent and funny at the same time and knowing your stuff

[@Tomm9y]

Absolutely, a capable, experienced engineer's distillation of the relevant information. In a different league to the journos, volggers, snippers etc.

[@JNorth87]

Hey Matt, that was a great video

[@SuperfastMatt]

Thanks! Its my favorite so far.

[@alairlibreinsfreie5785]

@@SuperfastMatt you already started well and got better and better ever since

[@CED99]

Great video

[@ElectricSuperCar]

Love your channel! Thanks for the content!

[@SuperfastMatt]

My pleasure!

[@CRXDrew]

Bravo. 60s theme hotel had me dead. Best coverage of the event this year. Wish it was a full length documentary.

[@esccaping]

I live in the Springs and I had no idea they still let people stay in that health hazard

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

Great video Matt!

[@dannymac6368]

Matt, finding this wonderfully written story and accompanying video was such an absolute joy. Thank you kindly. ☺️

[@ZachShock13]

Oh my goodness Matt! I love the video and it was great talking to you on the mountain this year! Keep being awesome and can’t wait to subscribe and keep up with you!

[@VanderGroejn]

This was absolutely amazing Matt! The best told story of Pikes Peak ever. And as always, looking forward to the next one. Cheers mate 🍻👍❤

[@johnmcf]

Fantastic video as always Matt, thanks for the content!

[@permagnusandersson6052]

SO much smile on my face watching this. Especially the end was just great watching! It felt like I've actually been there having those people waving at me as the "co-driver" ;) Thanks for your great videos!

[@charlesjackson8635]

I get up at 3am everyday of the week for 15 years for my job. You get used to it and it’s nice not having to deal with morning traffic

[@jayc3110]

That was an astounding little film. Nicely filmed and beautifully narrated. Really enjoy all your stuff! Thank you and best wishes.

[@renhansen1246]

Looking forward to next year!

[@Jerod_Helt]

Another great video👍

[@BIG_WAVE_RACING]

Ive been to this event and nothing can describe how powerful and emotional that race is. Coming down the mountain parade at the end is such a fantastic atmosphere. Planning on coming back for the next one! Maybe ill see you out there one day! Love the videos!

[@vandyFixer]

Incredible story well told. Excellent insight in to the famous race. Well done to the team and huge thanks to you Matt

[@paulontheroad]

Another excellent video 👍

[@foesfly3047]

Am so glad you were able to get time with the Shute team. Very easy to be happy for the success of people with such a great attitude. Add to that, your Many profound, relevant and interesting perspectives. Stay Awesome 😎

[@robertmeyer8221]

Thank you for your coverage of the race!

[@user-nh8rr7oi6l]

That coverage was fantastic. Really excited to see the race next year.. I genuinely like the way you tell stories SuperfastMatt..

[@BenMitro]

The other comments echo my sentiments. Fantastic job Matt, and that was a super fast time by Robin and his team. You said something very profound at the beginning about the small guy and competition. That should be a principle adopted by all Governments...super big corporations do not generate improvement and aren't driven by humanities most powerful force - passion.

[@raycar1165]

I want you on my team

[@CED99]

Super big corporations are generally driven by the desire to make [more] money... and not pay taxes on it

[@tcrenegade]

I would actually love to see more overviews by you if various stuffs. In particular following a subject or an event and explaining why its important and what it is. It makes me not get as stressed out about all the projects I need to get back to when I see stuff like this lol

[@delphipascal]

Great video as usual

[@Spikeinca23.]

Mat love your work. Please keep giving us this sort of content. Awesome . Brilliant. Thank you . 👍

[@joshuabaldwin3490]

As always, love your videos Matt! I'm passionate about building my own cars, and a lot of your sentiments align with my own thoughts! Love the way you share Robin's story (plus he's also from "there" same as mere, so there's that!) All praise the algorithm

[@ChrisSmith_NW]

This was a great watch, thank you for sharing.

[@kwassierufus]

What a brilliant post. Thank you.

[@Tomm9y]

Great video, concise and knowledgeable presentation. The flyover of the mountain is great. Good to hear the road at the top is due to be rebuilt.

[@devinbyers3351]

your break down and coverage of this event is awesome!!!!

[@paulhall170]

Thank you thank you for the first and only not crushingly-boring, over-extended Pikes Peak video. Outstanding in every respect, especially the bears!

[@FredLarracuente]

That must've been one amazing experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@relvao]

This is my fav channel in youtube atm. Congratulations

[@GTFour]

Amazing. Wishing them so much luck for next year!

[@wrightwells]

Fantastic, the quality proves why I don't watch telly, oh hang on, I watched this on the telly. I'll have to update my algorithm as to what I mean by telly.

[@TheJeffcurran]

Great video. I totally enjoyed that.

[@Orf45]

Excellent Matt. Thanks for doing this.

[@jpkatz1435]

LOVE your commentary and delivery!

[@danielwoodard680]

Best Pikes' coverage I've seen in years!

[@felixsahlen1836]

I have to mention the backstory of Per Eklunds pikes peak build. They filmed the entire build, it's on KZbin but in Swedish and without subtitles sadly. So Per and his mechanics, friends and at the end anybody who proved somewhat usefull built the car themselves in some garage in the middle of nowhere. The carbon fiber molds from Saab were off and other as to be expected hurdles for trying to put a racecar together. They just worked, worked and worked, basically lived of the local pizzeria. The pizzeria even refused to take their order once since it was for so many pizzas they were sure it was a prank call. Such a pleasure to see the amount of self thought and skilled mechanics putting the car together. And all they had were pretty much basic tools. The only fancy stuff was parts for the car. They were stupidity close to not make it and shipped the car over untested. This car then set a record in the open class that stood for 12 years. That's the beauty of pikes peak. This is btw my all time favorite motorsport story.

[@alexadser2232]

Please do this again for 2022! This was super interesting and entertaining!

[@itmstgofast]

Great work!

[@devil2jz500]

Your talent as an editor/journalist and your comments put to shame almost all of the other KZbinrs. I can see you at 1M subs pretty soon.

[@RobertMacCready]

Excellent video. Can't wait for next year. I just might make the trip.

[@WileHeCoyote]

MAAAAN! YOU MAKE THE BEST VIDEOS MATT! I was glued to the screen for 26 min. and it felt like 5!

[@bruceyoung9028]

Thanks for the in-depth, conversational well researched content. I really enjoy your interested yet low key enthusiasm. Subscibed.

[@selkins006]

This was a good watch I was there with you Thursday on that section ♥️

[@talljake]

Really great video Matt!

[@Avboden]

Absolutely fantastic video, well done!

[@mattiasfagerlund]

Awesome video!

[@smaqdaddy]

I went to the Hill Climb in '86 with my Grandfather. Such a cool experience! Great video Matt! Love all your stuff!

[@laytonb7]

Thanks for the great video … i have not been to the PPIHC since it has been fully paved …I need to buy my camping permit for the 100th running now i believe … That is one fierce big mountain go-kart !!!… this team will be touted as penultimate some day when everyone else catches up …predictions in!!

[@justin.s9783]

i drove up it when i was in the Army back in the 90s. the last bit was still gravel then. what it takes to race up that thing is B@lls and insanity lol. it is really beautiful up there. good vid

[@gregpilling2305]

The idea of a French woman driving a German car to victory at Pikes Peak didn’t sit well with some. Bobby Unser was reputedly quite vocal about his loss, to which Mouton is said to have replied: “If you have the balls you can try to race me back down as well.” www.messynessychic.com/2018/01/23/she-raced-the-boys-and-took-their-trophies/

[@tcrenegade]

Absolutely LOVED this!

[@Tylercm262]

First time I was recommended your channel. Great perspective here. Wish I had found this channel sooner.

[@jimzucker]

one of the most underrated cars channel on youtube atm

[@mrrustygray]

Really well produced and narrated program. Better than TV.

[@RealBobStovall]

That was fun. Great piece, Matt. Thanks for putting this together.

[@SuperfastMatt]

My pleasure!

[@heartsky]

Very well done Matt, some of the better coverage I've seen of Pike's.

[@rueliotube]

Your channel randomly showed up on my recommendations and I’m so glad it. You sir are head and shoulders above any other automotive themed channel.

[@raycar1165]

Same here. @OP

[@aleroxit]

Nice! You rock. Thank you

[@tetepeb]

This was really awesome, thank you so much for doing this video

[@3D_foos]

the live coverage this year had some issues but i still loved every second of it. good to see some high quality video and a great story to go along with it, thanks.

[@neukin]

Well done, thanks for taking the time to make this gem.

[@mark-kf3md]

Thanks very much. Excellent work. To the point and done in the spirit that the team approaches the race.

[@tonydotnottingham]

Fantastic short film, thanks for sharing it!

[@SuperfastMatt]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DukeOfTwist]

Awesome content and event/competitor coverage

[@zasyatkin]

Great job on producing this video!

[@Shiftheads]

Awesome content Matt. It was great to check all these out in person too. I was wondering how they tuned for various elevation so glad to see this video. I bet Next year will be crazy as the 100th anniversary is 2022. I never saw how the bears got out hopefully they just climbed down and ran away. Definitely had a lot of eyes on them though

[@garycananzey3251]

I subscribed because you are without a doubt the best commentator and producer Ive ever watched or heard. Beautiful and engaging. Entertaining Racing Information is rare.

[@SuperfastMatt]

wow, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@DanielCooper1]

Man, I hope you go back next year and I will be following to see your coverage. Top notch.

[@ianharrington3546]

one of my favorite vides I've seen in a while

[@j4min1]

Just found your channel, love the videos

[@Badam-Wackler]

I am literally in awe at the quality of this channel. The topics, the writing.

[@ac4uv]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, I thoroughly enjoyed this content. OUTSTANDING work!

[@andrewbozhozr]

Hopefully bikes will be back... Love Pikes peak. Thank you for this stories, wonderful to watch.

[@rokcetscience]

awesome video matt......and thanks for the quick answer to my T3 question in any case.....👍😎

[@DIY-V12]

Inspirational content as usual Matt, the hierarchy is undeniable - but the first level has no reference to duct tape, zip ties, loctite or nordlock washers. Thanks for taking the time to edit in the check on predigious, saved me having to do it!

[@koi1762]

Awesome video, goodjob!