Unleashing the Future of Racing

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JEROME ANDRE AND SCALAR PERFORMANCE

WIND tunnel testing optimizes the aerodynamic validation process at Ontario Tech University.

EQUIPPED with a 60kWh motorsportgrade battery, the SCR1 can race for over 30 minutes between charges. A full battery recharge takes less than 20 minutes using a 150 kW Level 3 DC fast charger.

IN the ever-evolving racing car world, the Scalar Performance SCR1 stands out as a groundbreaking innovation. This allelectric track car, built on the Toyota GR86 platform, is designed to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve on the racetrack. With Brian Bourne, Scalar’s CEO, we delve into the SCR1’s conception, design, and performance, revealing the meticulous engineering that makes it a formidable contender against traditional internal combustion engines on track.

Founding the Dream

Scalar Performance was co-founded by Brian Bourne and Joel Fallaise, two avid motorsport enthusiasts with a shared vision of creating a high-performance electric race car. Their mission was clear: to design an EV that a driving purist would enjoy, and could compete alongside traditional ICE vehicles on the track, initially in the NASA Super Touring series. “The truth is we wanted something just as enjoyable, fun and competitive as ICE race cars, but also had a really low cost of ownership. ICE engines are constantly tearing themselves apart or faulting in some way on race weekends. With an EV, it just works and that was the real goal”. They chose the Toyota GR86 platform for its lightweight, rear-wheeldrive configuration, robust aftermarket support, and racing pedigree. They are based in Belleville, Ontario , Canada. Brian Bourne has transitioned from a background in information technology and cybersecurity to the exciting world of electric racing. Focused on developing the first all-electric touring race car approved for club-level competition, he traded server rooms for race tracks. While he jokes about leaving the tech scene, his work now involves deep dives into vehicle and powertrain technology, including electric and hybrid integrations, sophisticated telemetry, and intricate data logging and analysis.