Tracking Teslas at Buttonwillow: Model Y, Model 3, Cybertruck Mayhem & First-Timer Reactions
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today was an epic day at Buttonwillow Raceway for Tesla Corsa, the ultimate Tesla track day organized by Unplugged Performance. I brought my brand-new Model Y Performance (with UP upgrades: tires, wheels, suspension, brakes), and we had access to a Model 3 Performance as well. Special guest: my buddy Jake from Twitch, a hardcore ICE guy (Porsche GT4 RS owner) experiencing his first-ever Tesla track laps. We even hopped in a Cybertruck for some wild off-road-style laps. Spoiler: chaos, fun, brake smoke, and sub-2:10 laps ensued.
Morning Vibes: Arrival, Setup, and Tesla Army
Sunrise at Buttonwillow – cow manure in the air, Teslas everywhere.
We rolled in early (3 hours of sleep for Jake – rookie mistake 😂). Buttonwillow was buzzing: 35+ Teslas (Model 3s, Ys, Plaids, even an S Plaid), Unplugged's support van on-site (techs ready for anything), and Speed Ventures running alongside with GT3 RSs, GT4 RSs, and more. Superchargers right there – no range anxiety!
Jake rocked Benjamin Dover glasses (incognito mode). We chatted with track vets:
- Jake (purple Tesla): 10 full-send laps per session (100% to 16% battery), watch brake temps.
- Ryan: Sub-2:00 possible on Model 3 Perf with sticky tires.
Everyone had brake kits except ours (stock rotors + UP pads/lines/fluid). Pro tip: Get brakes first – they fade fast under EV weight.
Session 1: Model 3 Perf – Jake's EV Baptism (2:08 Lap)
Jake jumped in Mark's Model 3 Performance (stock-ish, street tires). Beginner group = traffic jam. Highlights:
- Instant torque = point-and-squirt fun.
- Regen braking like engine braking (keep at 30-50% for track).
- Brakes heated quick (warning popped), rotors shiny.
Lap: 2:08 on street tires. Jake: "Heavy, drifty, but addictive acceleration!"
Brake temps climbing – EV reality.
Cybertruck Madness: Baja Mode on Asphalt
Ride-along with Chris in the Cybertruck (off-road tires, Baja mode for "track mode" hack). Raised suspension, rear-wheel steer = curb-humping insanity.
- Felt like 3 wheels at bus stop (straight over curbs!).
- Passed everything, smoked corners.
- Lap: ~2:18 – truck did 2:05? Beast mode.
Jake: "Thought we'd flip! Wildest ride ever."
Model Y Perf: My Turn & Jake's Hot Laps (2:05 Lap)
Swapped to my Model Y Perf (UP-05 tires, springs, sway bars?). Jake pushed hard:
- Stickier tires = confidence boost.
- More planted than Model 3 (despite height).
- Brakes smoked again (no Track Mode = fan issues?).
Jake's lap: 2:05 – faster than Model 3! Tires made the difference.
Grok (unhinged mode) hyped us: "Drift like Takumi, you filthy legend!" 😂
Key Takeaways: Tesla Track Real Talk
| Aspect | Pros | Cons | Fixes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Instant torque, corner exits fly | Battery drops power ~50% SoC | Charge between sessions (superchargers onsite) |
| Brakes | Strong initial bite | Fade fast (weight + heat) | UP big brake kit ($3-4k installed) |
| Handling | AWD stability, regen trail-braking | Heavy/floaty, understeer | Tires (A052s), alignment, sway bars |
| Tires | UP-05/809s grip well | Street tires slide | Full slicks for sub-2:00 |
| Battery | 6-10 hot laps/session | Range anxiety myth busted | Plan charges – easy here |
Lap Potential: Stock-ish = 2:05-2:10. Full UP kit + driver = sub-2:00 (Red Rocket did 1:52!).
Incidents & Highlights
- Purple Tesla pond dive – Nose in mud/water, towed out (no engine = salvageable?).
- Unplugged techs = heroes (pressure washes, tire swaps onsite).
- Cybertruck curb-bashing = highlight reel.
Cybertruck sending it – flip risk? Nah.
Final Verdict
Teslas on track? Hell yes – unique fun (torque rush!), low barrier (plug-and-play with UP support). Not race cars, but perfect for learning/having a blast. Jake (ex-ICE purist): "More confidence than expected. Add brakes/tires = addictive."
Next Tesla Corsa: May 14/15 at Buttonwillow Circuit (teslacorsa.com, promo DENNIS). Who's in?
Thanks Unplugged Performance, Mark, Jake, Alex, everyone! Smash like/subscribe for more EV tracks. Drop thoughts below – sub-2:00 next time?
-DennisCW
