Unplugged Performance S-APEX race car known as “Dark Helmet” returns with Craig Coker behind the wheel, winning against hypercar royalty including a McLaren Senna, Porsche 918 Spyder, Aston Martin Valhalla, and Gordon Murray T.50.
HAWTHORNE, Calif., October 19, 2026 — Unplugged Performance’s “Dark Helmet” returned to the racing spotlight with a victory, taking first place in the Unlimited Class at Willow Springs Reimagined Time Attack hosted by the Petersen Museum on October 17. Driven by Craig Coker, the extensively developed 2021 Tesla Model S-APEX Plaid completed the timed course from Turn 1 through Turn 5 on Big Willow in 52.125 seconds, adding another competitive achievement to the Model S-APEX race car’s history.
The Unlimited Class entry list featured some of the automotive world’s most celebrated performance machines. Listed competitors included the Porsche 918 Spyder, Gordon Murray T.50, Aston Martin Valhalla, McLaren Senna, McLaren 765LT, and McLaren Artura.
Against that field, Unplugged Performance’s electric sedan secured P1 in Unlimited and the fastest time of the day across all classes, demonstrating the performance potential of the Tesla Model S-APEX Plaid.
“As a driver, you need to have confidence in the vehicle to consistently push to the limits. Even having not driven Dark Helmet in a year, I had instant connection on my first run,” said Craig Coker, the Unplugged Performance driver. “I trust the car to perform consistently. It’s a well developed and proven race-winning package at this point.”
Dark Helmet’s performance starts with Tesla’s factory foundation. As Coker explained in an interview at the event , the car retains its stock battery, tri-motor powertrain, and cooling system, using Tesla’s factory Track Mode without aftermarket powertrain software tuning. Unplugged Performance’s development has focused on the systems surrounding that powertrain: aerodynamics, suspension, braking, wheels , and mechanical grip.
For its return to Willow Springs, Dark Helmet ran UP-03 forged wheels and racing slicks , with Coker describing a 330-millimeter tire setup at all four corners. The car’s documented build includes UP x Öhlins TTX four-way adjustable coilovers , UP billet adjustable front upper control arms , rear billet suspension arms , and an adjustable rear sway bar . Its braking package combines UP carbon ceramic brakes front and rear with competition brake pads and upgraded brake lines .
The exterior pairs the UP S-APEX carbon fiber widebody with a bespoke high-downforce aerodynamic package, including a prominent front splitter, rear wing, and lower diffusers. Many of the suspension, brake, and wheel upgrades on the vehicle are available through Unplugged Performance’s website .
The win also marked a return to familiar ground. Willow Springs has played an established role in Unplugged Performance’s testing and development, with Coker previously recording a 1:20.03 full lap of Big Willow in Dark Helmet in 2023, reported at the time as a new EV lap record. At the separate Streets of Willow circuit, Dark Helmet later recorded 1:11.14 during Gridlife.
“It was great to get in this machine and take the win,” Coker added. “As the only electric vehicle of the event, I’m sure we surprised a lot of people. It was a proud moment, and I loved sharing that with the UP team.”
About Unplugged Performance
Unplugged Performance is the world leader in Tesla performance, aero, wheels, brakes, suspension, and complete vehicle programs. Founded in 2013 and headquartered next to SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, the company develops and manufactures premium upgrades proven on road and track, including record-setting competition vehicles and high-mileage fleet applications. Unplugged Performance ships worldwide and supports customers through a network of authorized installers.
For more information, visit unpluggedperformance.com .
