Randy Pobst’s Pikes Peak Model 3 Crash: The Videos
[Sept. 23, 2020]
Electrified vehicles contesting the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is not only no joke, it’s becoming commonplace. But while EVs are arguably better suited than ICE vehicles for tackling the infamous mountain due to decreased oxygen content at higher elevations, the dangers of the endeavor remain equal. This is a fact that was witnessed leading up the Aug. 30 hill climb when multi-time Rolex 24 winner, SCCA national champion, and experienced Pikes Peak competitor Randy Pobst crashed the Unplugged Performance Tesla Model 3 during one of the late-stage practice sessions. Yet while the photos of the crash that made their rounds online are impressive, they don’t tell the complete story.
Randy Pobst, enthusiastic storyteller that he is, was quick to post a video online showcasing his in-car video and deconstructing the incident:
Unplugged Performance’s photographer was also documenting the entire adventure, and he happened to be located on the exact corner where the incident occurred. His series of photos show the Model 3 sliding after hitting a bump in the road, then show the Model 3 making contact with a retaining wall, spinning sideways while airborne, and coming to a violent stop.
The result was fairly catastrophic to the vehicle, but despite that, the Unplugged Performance crew set to work stripping the Model 3 race car’s damaged underpinnings and replacing them at a local body shop with parts from a newly-purchased Model 3. Within 48 hours of the crash, the Unplugged Performance Model 3 was up and running once more, allowing Pobst to make his Sunday morning charge up the mountain.
Photographer @teslaphotographer was at the scene of the Pikes Peak incident, interviewing racer Randy Pobst moments after crash.
Unfortunately, unseen damage to the battery had occurred during the crash and Unplugged Performance’s Model 3 was never under full power, ultimately leading to a close second-place finish in class behind another Model 3.
But thanks to Unplugged Performance’s photographer, the entire adventure is documented in a three-part series, which includes a look at another Model 3 that also crashed during the practice runs.
While there’s no fourth installment of this video series available yet, there is footage from inside the Unplugged Performance Model 3 on race day as Randy Pobst nursed the injured Tesla to the double checkers at the mountain’s peak.
Episode 1:
Episode 2:
Episode 3:
In-car footage from race day:
(Images courtesy @teslaphotographer and Unplugged Performance)
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