Two Tesla Model 3s have claimed first and second place in the exhibition class of the 2020 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, including one Model 3 that was repaired after an earlier crash.
The treacherous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is never a dull experience, and the 94-year-old race ranks as one of the most dangerous road events on the planet as it climbs from 2,860m to 4,300m on a public road just 20 kilometres in length, and with 156 bends.
The 2019 event saw two out of four electric bikes fall aside on the gruelling track, and this year’s event first saw Unplugged Performance’s Tesla Model, driven by racing driver Randy Pobst, bite the dust during Thursday’s practice session after becoming airborne.
It was one of three Model 3s undertaking the race, and one of two that crashed prior to the race, leaving just one driven by fellow racer and two-time Pikes Peak winner Blake Fuller as the only entrant left driving a Tesla.
Exclusive gallery (new photos) of the @UnpluggedTesla crash on Pikes Peak with @RandyPobst – ???? @teslaphotografr – Check out our Twitter feed and @InsideEVs for updates on the team’s effort to rebuild with help of a donor #Model3 in time for the race on Sunday. #PPIHC pic.twitter.com/zye2KhfM1D
— Out of Spec Motoring (@Out_of_Spec) August 28, 2020
Hoeever, Unplugged Performance managed to repair their vehicle and along with Fuller in the other Model 3, both finished ahead of the next vehicle, a Porsche 935, by a metaphoric mile.
Close competition between these two @Tesla’s in the Exhibition division! Blake Fuller was able to secure P1 just 2 seconds ahead of @RandyPobst! Catch onboard footage of both runs on our YouTube!https://t.co/ZbKzFy7QcE
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???? Louis Yio#PPIHC2020 #PPIHC #PikesPeak #Tesla #Model3 pic.twitter.com/aQTKcrKGat— Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (@PPIHC) September 1, 2020
“Deaths are all too frequent and a large number of cars end up destroyed every year,” said Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer in a post about the crash on Facebook.
“Nonetheless drivers and builders accept the severe risks to participate in one of the world’s ultimate motorsport challenges. In the end, a single small mistake is all it takes to go from a winner to disaster.”
Schaffer noted that most importantly, driver Randy Pobst was not severely injured and that the vehicle’s safety equipment worked as planned.
The car was all but trashed though, so Unplugged Performance managed to purchase another (used) Model 3 and got on the job of reparing the smashed vehicle.
While race regulations required that they drive the same vehicle, they were able to use parts from the used vehicle, and reportedly Tesla technicians came along to ensure the vehicle was ready to tackle the hill again.
NEVER GIVE UP!
A totaled car will not stop us. We will waive the Tesla flag from the top of the mountain! An hour ago we bought a new car. We will straighten the frame on the race car and rebuild it in 48 hours. Thank you to the Tesla community for your inspiration and support! pic.twitter.com/fwTw6xrjia— UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla) August 28, 2020
The Unplugged #Model3 seems to be progressing through repairs nicely after its crash in testing. Full Tesla support with technicians and engineers have been on site making sure the car will run properly. Tesla showing this level of support is surprising (in a great way). #PPIHC pic.twitter.com/0rKyT9zvrJ
— Out of Spec Motoring (@Out_of_Spec) August 28, 2020
As for Fuller, his participation in the race would never have even been possible if it weren’t for a massive community effort.
Fuller’s vehicle was funded by the Tesla community, with one couple donating their vehicle for the race and another 150 individuals and private businesses putting money in the kitty to get him there.
With this huge hurdle Monday saw both Tesla Model 3s prevail despite the huge hurdles both teams overcame.
“The comeback story of comeback stories. We will never quit. Performance is more than lap times, it is a will to persevere over all obstacles. A totaled car won’t be the ending of this story. We bought a new car, and we are working 24hr shifts. We will overcome. See you at the top,” said the Tesla upgrade company on Twitter.
Blake Fuller’s Model 3 Performance completed the climb in just 11:02.802, two seconds ahead of Randy Pobst’s 11:04.131 and 10 seconds ahead of the Porsche.
Blake Fuller set a 11:02 up the hill – 2 seconds quicker than Randy Pobst in the heavily modified #Tesla #Model3 – Congrats, Blake!! #PPIHC #PPIHC2020 #PikesPeakLive pic.twitter.com/53rDlYo508
— Out of Spec Motoring (@Out_of_Spec) August 30, 2020
We did it! Randy made it to the top! We came to Pikes Peak to challenge breaking the 10 minute barrier. Before the crash we were #9 fastest of the entire field and near identical times to the Porsche 935. Bent frame and totaled car didn’t stop us and we made it to the top!@Tesla pic.twitter.com/EEhUGz57li
— UNPLUGGED PERFORMANCE (@UnpluggedTesla) August 30, 2020
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.