Evasive’s IONIQ 5N EV returns for another crack at Pikes Peak 10-minute barrier

Evasive Motorsports is gearing up once again to take on the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday with its modified Hyundai IONIQ 5 N electric vehicle.

The Cerritos, Calif.-based team has enjoyed considerable success at Pikes Peak in both the unlimited gas-powered classes and the Exhibition class for electric vehicles. Evasive set the fastest EV time in 2022 with a race-prepared Tesla Model 3 and then won the class last year in the same extensively modified IONIQ 5 N, albeit on a shortened course because of concerns about high winds at the top of the mountain. With driver Rob Walker at the wheel, the Hyundai finished 15th overall in a field of 73 entrants. This year the team is looking to complete its original mission of breaking the elusive 10-minute barrier in the EV class.

“This will be our second Pikes Peak attempt with the IONIQ 5 N and we’re fully prepared for the mountain. In fact, we’ve been able to carry out further upgrades following last years’ experience to ensure we can extract the most out of our latest setup,” said Mike Chang, co-founder and CEO of Evasive Motorsports. “We’ve been testing at Hyundai’s private facility during the off-season and we’re confident we’ll break the 10-minute barrier if the weather cooperates this year. ”

What was once a production IONIQ 5 N was fully optimized by Evasive Motorsports, with emphasis on shedding weight and increasing downforce. The in-house EVS Tuning division removed 500 lbs by stripping the interior and fabricating its four doors and tailgate from carbon fiber.

To ensure maximum downforce, Voltex Japan again assisted the team by revisiting its front splitter design to optimize the one-off aero-enhancing carbon fiber components that were crafted within a matter of weeks following 3D scans of the vehicle. This will help keep the Yokohama slicks firmly planted on the tarmac with the longer-travel rear dampers being utilized this year.

The competition suspension has been retuned for 2026. Its one-off Moton coilover system now has upgraded valving, spring rates and mounting points, designed to work in harmony with the EVS Tuning front and rear sway bars plus the Eimer Engineering six-point rollcage to keep the car planted as it tackles the 156 turns to Pikes Peak’s 14,115-foot summit.

• Who’ll be on top of the world in 2026? RACER Network will bring live coverage of the Race to the Clouds to viewers across the world. Pikes Peak Live, presented by Mobil 1, coverage begins at 9:00am ET/7:00am MT on Sunday, June 21.
• Fans worldwide can also stream the race live on RACER+, free with email registration, ensuring motorsports enthusiasts everywhere can experience one of the world’s most challenging and iconic competitions in real time. 
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