Dark Helmet: The Tesla Model S Plaid Redefining EV Racing Performance

A Tesla Performance Icon in EV Racing

No custom Tesla magazine would be complete without mentioning Dark Helmet, the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model S Plaid that has been reshaping the racing world and pushing the boundaries of EV performance. Whether you’re a seasoned Tesla modifier or just getting started, Dark Helmet is a vehicle you’ll want to keep an eye on.

The journey began at the 2023 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where Randy Pobst piloted Dark Helmet to an astounding sub-10-minute run, finishing with a time of 9:54.901, and earning the title of the fastest modified EV at Pikes Peak. Competing against purpose-built race cars, this nearly 5,000-pound luxury sedan managed to secure a spot among the top ten overall finishers—an incredible feat for a production-based electric vehicle.

Next up, Craig Coker took the helm at the Willow Circuit, where Dark Helmet set a scorching lap time of 1:20.03, hitting speeds of over 160 mph—proving that luxury EVs can dominate on the track. Dark Helmet further cemented its status as a high-performance beast at the Streets of Willow, clocking the fastest lap for an EV and AWD car with a time of 1:11.14.

But the journey didn’t stop there. At GridLife Laguna, Dark Helmet took on the infamous corkscrew, with Coker once again behind the wheel. Dark Helmet set a remarkable lap time of 1:26.7, making it the fastest EV and sedan to ever lap WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Plaid outpaced hypercars like the McLaren Senna, P1, and Porsche 918, further proving the power of electric vehicles in competitive motorsport.

With UP x Ohlins TTX 4-way coilovers, a Superlight carbon ceramic big brake kit, and 19-inch UP-03 forged wheels, Dark Helmet continues to show that EVs are here to stay in the motorsport world. As technology advances, this Tesla Plaid serves as an ongoing inspiration for both seasoned and future EV enthusiasts.