ENEOS Joins Evasive Motorsports for 2021 Pikes Peak with Tesla Model 3 Racecar

Although it’s no secret Evasive Motorsports has been working on a Tesla Model 3 for the upcoming 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, what nobody was expecting was the involvement of ENEOS.

As the largest oil company in Japan, the Tesla Model 3 might not appear to be the obvious choice but ENEOS is interested in working with potential electric vehicle partners in future. In fact, we can exclusively reveal that ENEOS has developed a number of EV-related products, which are expected to meet the requirements of many OEM partners in Japan and Asia.

With more to be revealed shortly, we were eager to see the Evasive project transition from Jon Sibal’s incredible rendering to the racer that will be piloted by ENEOS ambassador Dai Yoshihara.

Although Dai and Evasive have plenty of PPIHC experience, including a 2020 Unlimited Class win, the Tesla Model 3 is the team’s first step into the EVs. The intention is to create performance products for the road towards electrification, and there’s no better way to start than by getting their feet wet at one of the world’s most grueling motorsports events.

The Evasive team has been working round the clock to meet project deadlines, and we’re stunned by how quickly it’s progressed. And the car made its grand debut at the Pit and Paddock launch event – the media division of Turn 14 Distribution that’s looking to shake things up in the automotive content space, it’s headed by friend and former Super Street editor-in-chief Sam Du.

Not only did Evasive reveal the new car, but it was also the perfect time to welcome friends and family to see their new facility, located in Cerritos, CA.

It was a reunion of sorts, a much needed breath of fresh air, since most of the performance industry hadn’t gathered because of COVID lockdown restrictions. Overnight, the new Evasive facility was transformed into an industry mixer, outfitted with the Toyo Tires promo rig, some of Evasive’s most cherished projects of the past and present, and an ENEOS refreshment area; the perfect backdrop to witness the unveiling of the race-prepped Tesla.

After a few comments from Mike Chang and Tony Kwan from Evasive, Sam and Dai, the cover was removed to reveal the star of the show, and what a sight it was to behold. The Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak is a departure from the traditional gasoline-powered race cars they’ve campaigned, but their experience has surely taught them a few tricks to prepare successfully—last year’s Toyota 86 Unlimited class winner is one of many recipes they’ll follow.

The Turn 14 / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 has been outfitted with Artisan Spirits widebody aero, rear wing from Voltex Japan and custom EVS carbon fiber body panels. Front and rear cooling systems designed in conjunction with CSR Radiators will help keep the batteries cool as it undergoes the rigors of Pikes Peak, not to mention ENEOS gear oil for the mechanical differential EVS has fabricated into place.

Inside is more custom EVS fabrication, such as the FIA-spec roll cage and carbon dash, plus Sparco safety equipment. KW provided its Competition 3 suspension, while forged Titan 7 TP-5 wheels (with custom EVS Tuning aero disc covers) and Toyo racing slicks will help keep the vehicle stuck to the road.

With only a couple weeks until the main race, follow ENEOS social media for last-minute updates to the Evasive Tesla. Then we’re heading to Colorado to support Dai as he journeys to the clouds once again for another shot at victory!