There’s a lot to love when it comes to Hyundai and its motorsports programs. They practice what they preach in their N Division vehicles—like the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N—by taking them racing and applying that knowledge to their road cars. This year, the Ioniq 5 N is headed to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, in an effort headed by a well-known tuning shop from Southern California, Evasive Motorsports. The stripped down, caged up, and kitted out 5 N that Evasive is building for the Race to the Clouds is the outfit’s followup to a 2022 Tesla Model 3 it’s raced up Pikes Peak previously.

The idea for 2025 is the same as 2022 when Evasive ran the Tesla Model 3: break the 10-minute barrier. Luckily, the playbook for the Hyundai is largely the same as for the Model 3—starting with a diet. The Ioniq 5 N loses its entire interior, as well as its stock doors and tailgate, which are replaced by carbon-fiber pieces.

Next up, it gains a set of lightweight forged wheels from Titan 7 with their T-P10 in 19×11 inch fitment that were wrapped in Yokohama Advan A005 race slicks. EVS Tuning (Evasive Motorsports tuner parts brand) adds a set of aero discs to help make sure the wheels are as slick as the 5 N is through the ever thinning air while going up the 14,115-foot summit. Behind those aero discs are a set of CounterSpace Garage brake pads clamping down on the 5 N’s disc brake setup with Endless brake fluid providing the hydraulic pressure. All told, the Evasive Motorsports team cuts 500 pounds from the Ioniq 5 N’s original 4,851-pound curb weight.

As a bonus, the new wheels stick out so far beyond the stock fenders, it forced Evasive to fit a sweet body kit to contain them. With a close relationship with prominent aerodynamics builder Voltex, Evasive sent in a 3D model of the 5 N, and Voltex went to work on creating a new front lip and splitter, side skirts, fender flares, new underbody aero, and a rear wing all from carbon fiber.

For quick tire changes, a set of Krontec air jacks lift the car off the ground without the need a pump jack (and reduces the risk of accidental damage in using it). Also underneath the Hyundai are custom Moton coilovers built in a very short timeframe with legendary suspension tuner Mike Kojima designing the entire setup. They’re joined by a set of EVS Tuning anti-roll bars.

The Ioniq 5 N is protected by an Eimer Engineering six-point roll cage, and driver Rob Walker sits in a Sparco QRT-C carbon fiber seat. Finally, the 5 N and its new body parts are wrapped in the N Division livery scheme, ready to tackle the legendary mountain.

There is a bit of serendipity in the driver choice. Walker was in the process of shopping for a new, high-performance EV to have as a daily driver and was already looking at a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as a potential purchase. After a call from Evasive Motorsports co-owner, Mike Chang, Walker purchased one and has been slinging it around the equally legendary Buttonwillow Raceway and taking advantage of Hyundai’s access to the Tesla Supercharger network that has a set of chargers not that far away from the racetrack. Thanks to this purchase and constant seat time, Walker therefore has more than a passing familiarity with the 2025 Ioniq 5 N Pikes Peak International Hill Climb racer he’ll be wheeling in the EV class this year. If you want to see how Walker, Evasive, and Hyundai perform, the 2025 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb will take place on June 22, 2025.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Very little went right for Shane Van Gisbergen in the buildup to NASCAR’s first international Cup Series points-paying race of the modern era.

A mechanical issue on takeoff forced his team charter to abort the initial journey to Mexico City. He arrived at the venue Friday, a day late, and after winning the pole Saturday, the New Zealander fell seriously ill.

He was sleeping on the floor of his hauler before Sunday’s race, unsure he’d be able to physically complete the 100-lap event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

But there’s something special about the Kiwi and new venues, especially in the rain, and he salvaged the weekend by winning on the road course to earn an automatic berth into NASCAR’s playoffs.

Van Gisbergen led 60 of 100 laps and beat Christopher Bell by 16.567 seconds.

“I tried to treat it like when I go to Asia, just drink bottled water and be careful in the shower and brush your teeth with bottled water, but I just went downhill,” Van Gisbergen said. “Couldn’t keep anything in. Everything just went straight through me. I felt really queasy and my mind was there, but my body just had so much pressure in my stomach. Crazy weekend and everyone dug deep.”

It was the second Cup Series victory of his career. He won in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural 2023 street course race in Chicago — a victory that changed his career trajectory. Van Gisbergen left the Australian V8 Supercars, where he was a multiple champion, for a full-time move to NASCAR.

Although he had success in the Xfinity Series — he won three races last year as Trackhouse Racing developed him for a Cup Series ride — Van Gisbergen has struggled this year at NASCAR’s top level.

He started the race ranked 33rd in the Cup standings with only one top-10 finish through the first 15 races of the season. But his victory in Mexico City revived his season and gives him a shot to race for the Cup Series championship.

“It means everything to us, this is why I’m here,” Van Gisbergen said. “I am getting better and more competitive. We’re really making a lot of progress.”

Van Gisbergen celebrated in his traditional rugby-style way — he drop-kicked a signed football into the grandstands and then said he had recovered enough to enjoy “some Red Bulls mixed with adult beverages” later Sunday.

Van Gisbergen benefitted from an early pop-up rain shower on the first lap of the race because he’s an exceptionally skilled driver on a wet surface. His win at Chicago was in monsoon-like conditions.

Trackhouse now has two of its drivers — Ross Chastain and Van Gisbergen — locked into the playoffs. But it was a bit of a disappointment for Daniel Suarez, the Monterrey native who thrilled the hometown crowd with a win in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, as he failed to challenge his teammate for the win and finished 19th.

“I wish I was in the mix fighting for it a little more, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” Suarez said. “Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations, the people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy.

“I had expectations for this weekend, not the results but, like, the event, and I can tell you that I personally exceeded those expectations,” he added. “So very, very happy for that. Very blessed. I hope that we can do it many more times.”

Suarez, who appeared to be blinking back tears as he sang along with the Mexican national anthem in pre-race ceremonies, desperately wanted the home win in this contract year with Trackhouse. He was the face of this event as NASCAR ventured outside the U.S. with its top series for the first time since 1958.

Bell finished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He was followed by Chase Elliott in a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Alex Bowman, who hurt his back in a crash last week at Michigan, withstood the pain for a fourth-place finish in his Hendrick Chevrolet.

Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports was fifth and followed by John Hunter Nemechek in a Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. Chase Briscoe of JGR was seventh and followed by Cole Custer for Haas Factory as the highest-finishing Ford driver. William Byron of Hendrick was ninth and Chris Buescher of RFK Racing rounded out the top 10.

Chevrolets took five of the top-10 positions, including the victory.

Stenhouse vs. Hocevar

The ongoing feud between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carson Hocevar continued after the race as a furious Stenhouse reached inside Hocevar’s cockpit on pit road.

He seemed to grab at Hocevar as he spoke to him, then slapped at his helmet as Stenhouse walked away. It wasn’t clear what Stenhouse was upset about, but he’s been furious with Hocevar for three consecutive weeks, dating to contact between the two at Nashville.

Hocevar’s in-car camera captured the audio of the confrontation.

“I’m going to beat your (butt),” Stenhouse threatened. “You’re a lap down, you’ve got nothing to do. Why you run right into me? It’s the second time. I’m going to beat your (butt) when we get back to the States.”

Hocevar said after the race he couldn’t really hear Stenhouse.

“I know he was very mad and I was very apologetic,” Hocevar said. “I got in the marbles and slid a lot longer than I expected to. Number one, not somebody I would ever want to hit again. But number two, I was basically just logging laps. I tried to turn left and avoid him. Just a really sloppy day for me.”

Gordon gives the command

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon was selected to give the command for drivers to start their engines and admitted before the race he’d done some practicing.

Why? Because he incorporated both English and Spanish in his delivery of the most famous words in racing.

“Hola Mexico!” Gordon shouted. “Pilotos start your engines!

Up Next

NASCAR races next Sunday at Pocono Raceway, where Ryan Blaney won last year.

The trademarks of heavy equipment manufacturers, motor oil producers, fuel companies, and tobacco brands that were splattered across driver uniforms and liveries for a large portion of racing history told a familiar story. At Formula 1, MotoGP, and endurance racing events, blockchain start-ups and cryptocurrency companies have landed prominent positions on team uniforms and grid boards.

They are not alone in adjusting to a changing audience. Platforms like no KYC betting sites are now offering competitive odds and various types of bets on motorsports like Podium Finish, Outright Winner, and more. According to remote gambling expert Matt Bastock, these betting sites are popular due to their speedy payout processes, private transactions, and easy onboarding. Tech-savvy individuals who value speed and anonymity are catered to with these characteristics.

As esports racing grows into a commercial force, securing sponsorship funds and attracting viewer numbers that rival those of physical circuits, such partners have found a niche. This change reflects larger trends in sponsorship, where tech-first thinking and agility have gained traction over more conventional, legacy-aligned strategies.

Racing and invention have long been closely related. Motorsport is fueled by forward momentum, whether it is through the development of engines or the first use of telemetry. It makes sense that as the fan base grows more tech-savvy, so too do the companies that want visibility on the track. In the past five years alone, Formula 1 has hosted partnerships with multiple crypto brands, including exchanges and NFT developers. Some entered with bold predictions and big budgets, while others have quietly funded simulator events and junior series.

There is more to the appeal than just publicity. Tech firms view motorsport as a testing ground for innovative concepts and quick exposure. Teams offer an integrated platform that combine world-class performance with extensive media coverage. This balance is especially appealing to sponsors in the blockchain industry. 

Traditional sponsors are just adapting, not disappearing. Top teams are still supported by energy drink manufacturers, tool manufacturers, and engine developers. These days, sponsorship usually consists of data visualizations, behind-the-scenes content, or personal connections with social media platforms.

Virtual racing has also helped open doors. Esports tournaments held during global lockdowns proved that sim racing could capture an audience, and, more importantly, sponsors took notice. These platforms require less physical infrastructure, but they offer targeted digital campaigns, which blockchain-backed firms favor. In some cases, virtual teams have secured sponsorship packages comparable to those of mid-level real-world teams.

Popular names like NASCAR, a legacy American brand that has long been dominated by established American brands, have begun to see entries supported by tech firms. Although the shift has been slower compared to the international series, changes are appearing in liveries and team alliances. 

The expansion of sponsorship includes both the brands that fans interact with and the experiences they create. It symbolizes a more significant change in the way that people view racing. Previously dominated by fuel and newspaper ads, the motorsport industry now makes use of computational marketing techniques and real-time interaction analytics. The leading sponsors are those who understand speed, both on the track and in business. 

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Despite the handful of industry insiders too scared to leave their hotels in Mexico City, NASCAR’s first international Cup Series race of the modern era was a cultural experience that brought new fans to the series and provided its competitors with a chance to enjoy a new country.

The event had its detractors — rumors persisted for months that it would be canceled over security concerns or the escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico — and some NASCAR team members remained critical all the way through Sunday’s race.

But was it a success? Even with travel delays, hotel room snafus and confusion over shuttle transportation, it was unequivocally a shining moment for NASCAR.

“Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations,” said Daniel Suarez, the Monterrey-born NASCAR driver who was the face of the three-day weekend. “The people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy. I had expectations for this weekend… and I can tell you that I personally exceeded those expectations.”

The idea to try the road course at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez — host of one of the most popular Formula 1 events on that calendar — was the brainchild of Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer. The great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. has been aggressive in shaking up a schedule that went to the same tracks on the same weekends for decades.

Bringing the Cup Series to Mexico City — only the third race outside the U.S. in 77 years — was a chance to expose stock car racing to a new demographic and give Mexican fans their first chance to see the series race live.

“This was a historic moment for our sport, for Mexico, and for the global motorsports community,” Kennedy said after Shane Van Gisbergen won Sunday’s race to lock the New Zealander into the playoffs.

“One of the coolest parts about this weekend was seeing the reaction of the fans. I had the opportunity to go into the stands a few times,” he continued, “the energy and the passion of the fans here is unmatched.”

Kennedy said 90% of those in attendance were from Mexico, with 44% from Mexico City. Most important, there were “a lot of new fans coming out of this weekend.”

Will NASCAR return?

Even so, Kennedy could not guarantee another race in Mexico City. FIFA has World Cup games scheduled for this same week next year and there are the logistical issues of finding a date during a packed 38-week schedule.

The cars had to leave Michigan International Speedway immediately after last week’s race to make the 40-hour journey across the border, and now must get to Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania in time for this weekend’s race.

“I want to go everywhere in the world — England, Germany, South America, Australia, every where we can go,” said Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports. “The next thing that makes sense in Canada. But we have to figure out the schedule before we do too much of this.

“We can’t do this. Michigan, Mexico City, back to Pocono, can’t happen. We’re doing it and we’re excited to take on the challenge, but it’s going to wear on us and I don’t think we can do it all back-to-back. So we’ve got to make some adjustments to the schedule and how do we fit it all in into what’s already a very difficult schedule.”

Where will NASCAR go next?

Nothing is off the table for Kennedy, who is globally exploring where NASCAR can race and showcase its product.

One glaring issue: Those in the industry who remain comfortable with the same old schedule of traveling to Bristol, Tennessee, and Martinsville, Virginia, and Darlington Raceway in South Carolina twice a year.

While those markets are tied deeply to NASCAR’s Southern roots, there isn’t room for growth in playing to the same crowds over and over. The pushback on Mexico City didn’t come from any high-profile drivers, but Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s spotter had a scathing social media post ripping the city in which he said “screw this place, people can talk it up all they want” and 22-year-old driver Carson Hocevar had a similar sentiment in derisive comments on a live stream he has since walked back.

“Maybe a kid that had never been out of the country until Thursday should never give an opinion about what any place is like other than (hometown) Portage, Michigan,” Hocevar posted on social media. “I was skeptical about the trip and believed everything I read or heard about Mexico City from people who more than likely also had never been here.

“Now that I’ve actually left my hotel a couple times and raced here in front of some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever seen, my opinion has changed,” he continued. “I am embarrassed by my comments.”

A cultural field trip

This was baffling to some of the more well-traveled drivers, including Kyle Larson, who has raced at 200-plus different tracks around the world and makes annual trips to Australia and New Zealand. He also attended the 2021 Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi and then vacationed in Dubai.

He likened Mexico City to a field trip for NASCAR because the drivers all stayed in the same hotels and rode buses together to the circuit each day. On a normal weekend, they are holed up in their motorhomes at the track and rarely venture out.

“It’s honestly really fun and enjoyable to be around your competitors and get to know each other a bit better because on a typical weekend, we just kind of lock ourselves in wherever we’re at,” he said. “We don’t talk to anybody or anything. So it’s nice that, yeah, you’re almost forced to hang out with each other. It’s cool. You get to know them, so I’ve enjoyed that.”

Even Kyle Busch, who was arrested in Mexico in 2023 for carrying a concealed weapon, was surprised by the few who had a negative response to racing in Mexico City.

“The food is amazing, the city has some of the top restaurants in the world,” Busch said. “This is a great place to be and I don’t understand the people holed up in their hotels too scared to leave. Live a little.”

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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Related

It will be a busy week, with two different and exciting race programs scheduled for this week at Grandview Speedway!

The action packed week begins with the second Thunder on the Hill Racing Series event on Tuesday, June 17, as Levan Machine & Truck Equipment presents the 18^th annual Jesse Hockett Classic, the opening event for the non-wing USAC National Sprint Car Series.

The Tuesday racing program will include time trials and qualifying events for the USAC Sprints leading up to the 40-lap feature event that pays $6000 to win. The program also includes the 358 Modifieds in a NASCAR point event, with qualifying events and a 30-lap $3000 to win feature, that could pay an added $2000 from Alpine Building Supply if the winning driver is a first time Thunder Series winner.

The Thunder on the Hill advance ticket process is in place for the Tuesday, June 17 USAC Sprint Car and 358 Modified double header. For advance tickets, please call 443-513-4456, leave your name and the number of tickets you need for June 17. You may pay for and pick up tickets at the Will Call Window after 4:15 pm, and enter the main grandstand gate at 4:30 pm.   General admission tickets go on sale at 5 pm. Adult grandstand tickets are $35, children 6 to 11 are $10 and children 5 and under will be admitted for free. Pit admission is $45 and a license is not required. 

Grandview Speedway will then present a NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series program on Saturday, June 21 featuring the T.P. Trailer NASCAR Modifieds and the T.P. Truck Equipment NASCAR Sportsman.

The Saturday program will see the T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman division in the spotlight, as they will be running a Twin 20-lap feature program for the first time in track history!

The June 21 race meet will include qualifying events for both classes leading into the Twin 20-lap features for the T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman along with a 30-lap T.P. Trailer Modified feature.

Anyone having a rain check or pit wristband from May 17 may use them for the June 21 program, with ticket holders having to pay the added price (adults an extra $3, or students an extra $2, pit prices are the same). The June 21 event will be the last night to use the May 17 rainchecks.

Pit gates will open at 4 pm, with grandstand gates opening at 5:30 pm, warm-ups starting at 6:15 pm, and the first race of the evening getting the green flag at 7:30 pm.

Adult grandstand admission is $23, students 10-15 with ID are $12, while children ages 9 and under are admitted free of charge. Pit admission is $35 for NASCAR members and $45 for non-members.

Taking a look back at prior winners of the USAC Sprint event at Grandview Speedway, Levi Jones scored wins in 2007 and 2010, rain in 2008 and 2015, Jesse Hockett whom the race is named after in 2009, Bobby East in 2011, Bryan Clauson in 2012 and 2016, Daron Clayton in 2013, Chase Stockon in 2014, Brady Bacon in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, no race due to the COVID shut down in 2020, Justin Grant in 2021, Jake Swanson in 2023, and local Allentown, Pa. star Briggs Danner in 2024.

The NASCAR 358 Modifieds joined the USAC sprints in an awesome double program starting in 2016, with with Rick Laubach scoring the win followed by Duane Howard in 2017, Ryan Godown in 2018, Ryan Watt in 2019, Jared Umbenhauer in 2021, Craig Von Dohren in 2022, Jeff Strunk in 2023, and Eric Kormann claiming the Alpine Building Supply first time Thunder Series winner bonus in 2024.

The T.P. Trailer Modified and T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman drivers will be ready to get back to action this Saturday after suffering through rain outs the last three weekends.

Brett Kressley leads the T.P. Trailer Modified points over Mike Gular, Craig Von Dohren, Logan Watt and Jared Umben hauer entering this week’s action, while Colin Cox will lead Adrianna Delliponti, Mike Schneck Jr., Nathan Mohr, and Dylan Swinehart as the top five in the T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman points heading into this Saturday’s big double feature program.

The following are the current top ten drivers in the T.P. Trailer Modified point standings – 1. Brett Kressley – 1094, 2. Mike Gular – 1074, 3. Craig Von Dohren – 965, 4. Logan Watt – 917, 5. Jared Umbenhauer – 915, 6. Louden Reimert – 890, 7. Duane Howard – 830, 8. Tim Buckwalter – 625, 9. Kyle Smith – 619, 10. Matt Stangle – 602.

The following are the current top ten drivers in the T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman point standings – 1. Colin Cox – 789, 2. Adrianna Delliponti – 668, 3. Mike Schneck Jr. – 636, 4. Nathan Mohr – 626, 5. Dylan Swinehart – 584, 6. Gavyn Krupp – 558, 7. Mike Stofflet – 543, 8. Teague Miller – 524, 9. Kyle Hartzell – 519, 10. Kenny Gilmore – 469.

The Outlaw Racing Series Enduro and Outlaw Racing Series Vintage cars will be making up their June 6 rain out with a new date set for Friday, June 27, in a program that starts at 7 pm. Pit gates open at 2 pm, with grandstand gates opening at 5:30 pm. Grandstand admission will be $10, with children ages 12 and under admitted for free. Pit admission is $35 for the Friday event.

Since the 1960’s, Grandview Speedway has been presenting exciting wheel to wheel NASCAR stock car racing every Saturday Night starting in April and running through October, plus special events. Grandview Speedway is located at 43 Passmore Road, Bechtelsville, Pa. 19505, just off Route 100, ten miles north of Pottstown, Pa.

Information is always available at www.grandviewspeedway.com or on Facebook, or by telephone at 610.754.7688.

UPCOMING EVENTS –

Tuesday, June 17 – THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES –JESSE HOCKETT CLASSIC EASTERN STORM – USAC National Sprint Tour, 358 Modifieds* – 7:30 pm

Saturday, June 21 – T.P. Trailer Modifieds, T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman – Twin 20-lap features – 7:30 pm

Friday, June 27 – Outlaw Racing Series Enduro, Outlaw Racing Series Vintage – 7 pm

Saturday, June 28 – T.P. Trailer Modifieds, T.P. Truck Equipment Sportsman, Outlaw Racing Series Vintage – 7:30 pm

Tuesday, July 1 – THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES – 35^th annual Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Car Speed Week Series – $10,000 to win 410 Sprint Hodnett Cup, 358 Modifieds* – 7:30 pm

Grandview Speedway PR