Evasive Motorsports is set to make a groundbreaking return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) for its 103rd running on June 22, 2025. In a formidable new alliance, the esteemed performance tuning shop has partnered with Hyundai to engineer a 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N for the legendary “Race to the Clouds.” This collaboration marks Evasive Motorsports’ most ambitious electric vehicle (EV) project to date, as they aim to conquer America’s Mountain.
Leveraging Hyundai’s extensive technological resources and their record-setting experience from the previous year, Evasive Motorsports is poised to redefine its presence in the EV class. This effort follows their successful 2022 campaign with a modified Tesla Model 3, which secured the title of Fastest EV.
“Our goal is to break the elusive 10-minute barrier,” stated Mike Chang, co-president of Evasive Motorsports. “We’ve come close in the past and feel it’s far more achievable with the IONIQ 5 N. We are confident that our driver is equipped with the tools and support needed to deliver strong results this year.”
The officially dubbed “Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak” is a testament to the team’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of the production IONIQ 5 N. The primary focus is on optimizing the vehicle’s chassis, perfecting its aerodynamic profile, and significant weight reduction.
A Legacy of Performance: Evasive Motorsports at Pikes Peak
Based in Cerritos, California, Evasive Motorsports is a renowned electrified performance tuning shop and parts retailer with a rich history of high-altitude racing. Their journey at Pikes Peak began in 2013, and their dedication has been unwavering ever since.
- 2023: Campaigned the Evasive Motorsports / ENEOS Oil Honda S2000RS, a race-prepared version of their S2000R restomod, which also saw action in time-attack competitions in 2024.
- 2021-2022: Pioneered their EV development with the Turn 14 Distribution / Toyo Tires / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak, culminating in the “Fastest EV” title in 2022.
- 2019-2020: Dominated the Unlimited Class in 2020 with the ENEOS Racing / Evasive Motorsports Toyota 86, powered by a formidable 900-horsepower Toyota 2JZ turbocharged engine.
- 2015-2016: Competed with the Toyota 86, the successor to their original FR-S build.
- 2013-2014: Made their debut with a supercharged Scion FR-S, showcasing their expertise in road racing and performance tuning.
The Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak: Engineered for Victory
For the 2025 PPIHC, Evasive Motorsports is harnessing the formidable capabilities of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. As Hyundai’s first high-performance EV, it provides a potent platform with 641 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque (with N Grin Boost engaged) and a host of track-ready features. Evasive is applying key insights from their Model 3 project to ensure continued success.
The team’s primary modifications have centered on downforce and weight savings, as the electric motors cannot be tuned. The in-house EVS Tuning division has impressively stripped 500 pounds from the vehicle’s stock 4,851-pound weight by gutting the interior and fabricating carbon fiber doors and a new tailgate.
Sourcing competition-grade parts for a new vehicle presented a significant challenge, but several partners have been instrumental. Voltex Japan, a leader in aerodynamics, provided crucial components by leveraging modern technology.
“Within a short timeframe before the race, we sent a 3D scan of the IONIQ 5 N to Voltex, allowing them to design and produce the aero parts we need,” explained Chang. “In the past, they would have sent a designer over from Japan, but now they can do everything from 3D files.”
The custom Voltex package includes a front lip, carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, fender flares, carbon fiber underbody panels, and a massive carbon fiber rear wing to generate maximum downforce on the climb to the 14,115-foot summit.
To handle the demanding 156 turns of the course, the car features a custom one-off Moton coilover suspension designed by Mike Kojima of MotoIQ. Prototype EVS Tuning anti-roll bars and a custom six-point roll cage by Eimer Engineering further enhance the chassis. For rapid pit stops, Krontec air jacks have been installed, allowing for quick changes of the lightweight 19×11-inch Titan 7 T-P10 forged racing wheels. These wheels, fitted with EVS Tuning carbon fiber aero discs, are wrapped in wide, sticky 310/690 VR19 Yokohama A005 racing slick tires.
The Driver: Rob Walker
Behind the wheel is veteran driver Rob Walker, who previously raced with Evasive Motorsports from 2013 to 2016 in their Scion FR-S and Toyota 86. Walker has been diligently preparing for his return to Pikes Peak, utilizing sim racing to master the challenging 12.42-mile course.
“I have a dedicated sim rig I’ve been using nonstop since I was asked to drive for Evasive again at Pikes Peak,” Walker said. “The biggest challenge with sim racing is the sense of speed, G-forces and brake timing, but it remains a valuable tool for race preparation.”
Walker is no stranger to electric vehicles, having competed with them since 2013. In a fortunate coincidence, he was already in the market for a “fun and electric” daily driver when he got the call from Evasive. He purchased his own IONIQ 5 N and has been conducting a parallel testing program.
“I’ve run a parallel program to shakedown and test my own IONIQ 5 N, which has allowed me to provide feedback to Evasive and help with their build,” Walker explained. “We’re learning where battery, motor and tire temperatures need to be at the start and end of a session… It’s been helpful to understand and fine-tune the setup along the way.”
How to Watch
For the first time in its 103-year history, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will be broadcast in its entirety on the RACER Network (formerly MAV TV). Viewers can also stream the action on the RACER+ app.
Fans can follow Evasive Motorsports’ journey and get behind-the-scenes updates on their Instagram channel: instagram.com/evasivemotorsports.
Technical Specifications: Evasive Motorsports Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Pikes Peak
- Suspension / Chassis: Moton Motorsports remote reservoir coilovers, prototype EVS Tuning front and rear anti-roll bars, Eimer Engineering six-point PPIHC-spec roll cage, Krontec air jacks
- Brakes: CSG Spec brake pads, Endless brake fluid
- Wheels / Tires: 19×11-inch Titan 7 T-P10 forged racing wheels with EVS Tuning carbon fiber aero discs, 310/690 VR19 Yokohama ADVAN A005 racing slicks
- Exterior: Voltex Racing Pikes Peak front lip, carbon fiber splitter, side skirts, fender flares, carbon fiber underbody panels and rear wing, EVS Tuning carbon fiber doors and tailgate
- Interior / Safety: Sparco QRT-C carbon fiber seat
