Few names in racing create as much excitement as Laguna Seca. The world-famous Corkscrew, the dramatic elevation changes, and the Monterey hills make this California circuit a benchmark for drivers and engineers. In recent years the track has added something new. Electric performance is now a regular part of the action.
During Gridlife Laguna Seca, Rafael Guerrero brought his Tesla Model 3, updated with Unplugged Performance parts, to compete in a crowded field. He finished third place in the Street category and then drove the same car home like it was any other day. That is real proof of performance and reliability.
What Is Gridlife
Gridlife blends time attack competition, HPDE sessions, drifting, and live music. It attracts thousands of racers and fans who want a weekend filled with speed and car culture. The event is a perfect showcase for modern performance, and it highlights how electric vehicles can compete with purpose-built combustion cars.
Why Laguna Seca Is Legendary
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca opened in 1957. The track is 2.238 miles with 11 turns and a five-and-a-half story drop through the Corkscrew. Records fall here. Drivers build reputations here. The circuit demands precision in braking, balance in mid-corner, and strong traction at exit.
Laguna Seca is also one of the most EV friendly racetracks in the world. Tesla Superchargers are available on site and nearby, which makes charging between sessions simple. That convenience removes range anxiety and lets EV drivers focus on setup and driving. For Tesla owners who want a first track day or a competitive time attack, Laguna Seca is an ideal venue.
The Driver and the Result
Rafael’s Tesla Model 3 is his daily car. He commutes in it. He runs errands in it. He brought it to Gridlife, ran inside the top five from the start, and earned a spot in the Podium Sprint. In that three-lap shootout, all times reset to zero. The pressure was high with spectators in the stands and a live stream watching. Rafael matched his best lap of the weekend and took third place. For a daily-driven EV, that is a strong statement.
How Each Unplugged Performance Part Helped on Track
Sport Pro Coilovers
Unplugged Performance Sport Pro Coilovers are designed for the enthusiast who wants sharper response without losing daily comfort. They provide adjustable ride height and adjustable damping, which lets the driver tune the chassis for specific tracks.
At Laguna Seca, Rafael used damping changes to stabilize the car in high-speed sections and to support rapid direction changes through the Corkscrew. Lowering the car improved center of gravity and aero efficiency. After a full weekend of laps, the car still rode comfortably on the street. That is the benefit of street-to-track engineering.
Key gains on race day
- Better rotation on entry with damping support
- More mid-corner stability through Turn 4 and Turn 9
- Improved traction on exit due to controlled weight transfer
Billet Adjustable Rear Camber Arms
Alignment is a major unlock for the Tesla Model 3. The Unplugged Performance Billet Adjustable Rear Camber Arms let the driver set camber for both street and track. Laguna Seca rewards a strong contact patch under lateral load. Additional negative camber increases grip and confidence through long sweepers.
These arms are CNC machined from 6061-T6 and finished in Cerakote for durability. Alignment stays consistent during heavy cornering and curb strikes with the install of these arms. For daily use, the arms can return increased tire range and life expectancy as you can now adjust alignment to be neutral.
Key gains on race day
- Larger tire contact patch in compression
- Predictable response in fast transitions
- Reduced alignment change under load for cleaner tire wear
Track Brake Pads and Racing Brake Fluid
Laguna Seca features hard braking at Turn 2 and Turn 11. Consistency wins time here. Unplugged Performance Track Brake Pads deliver stronger initial bite and stable friction at elevated temperatures. Paired with racing brake fluid with a higher dry boiling point, the system resists fade during repeated stops.
Key gains on race day
- Later braking markers without pedal falloff
- Stable pedal feel over multiple hot laps
- Confidence that translates to faster corner entry
UP-03 Forged Wheels in 18 × 10.5
The UP-03 is a forged wheel built for the unique demands of Tesla vehicles. It has been proven at Pikes Peak, Tsukuba Circuit, and in extreme environments from Death Valley to the Arctic Circle. The wheel balances low mass with very high durability for real motorsport abuse.
Reducing rotational inertia improves both acceleration and deceleration. The 18 × 10.5 fitment supports wider rubber for grip and maintains clearance for larger brakes. The result is better response at turn-in and stronger stability through high-load corners.
Key gains on race day
- Quicker acceleration out of slow corners
- Shorter stopping distances and better modulation
- High strength for repeated curb use
Daily Driver and Track Star
The headline is simple. Rafael’s daily-driven Tesla Model 3 went to Gridlife, finished on the podium, and drove home. There were no overheating issues and no limp mode. The car delivered performance when pushed and comfort when the event ended. This is the reliability story that sets Tesla apart when combined with the right hardware.
EV Track Days at Laguna Seca
Laguna Seca supports EV charging on site and nearby, which eliminates a major barrier for first-time Tesla track drivers. The paddock culture is welcoming, and Gridlife creates a format where new drivers can learn while advanced drivers chase personal bests. If you want to experience your Tesla beyond the street, this is the right place to start.
The Future of Tesla Track Performance
Events like Gridlife continue to grow. EV participation grows with them. Unplugged Performance will keep building, testing, and racing parts that let Tesla owners unlock more speed with less compromise. The goal is clear. Deliver track performance that still works for daily life.
Congratulations to Rafael Guerrero on his podium at Gridlife Laguna Seca. We are proud to support his journey and look forward to helping him continue developing a track car that extends Tesla reliability and brings home more trophies.
