New Model Y Performance Hits the Track for the First Time as TeslaCorsa 43 Draws 40+ Drivers to Buttonwillow
TeslaCorsa 43 kicks off the 2026 season at Buttonwillow Raceway Park with zero mechanical failures, the track debut of the 2026 Model Y Performance, and six first-time drivers discovering what their Teslas can really do
More than 40 Tesla owners descended on Buttonwillow Raceway Park for TeslaCorsa 43, the opening event of the 2026 season, and not a single vehicle suffered a mechanical failure. From first-generation Model S sedans to Plaids and Cybertrucks, every Tesla on the grid drove itself to the track, pushed hard through the CW13 configuration’s demanding turns and straights session after session, and then let Full Self-Driving (Supervised) handle the cruise home.
The result was a showcase of electric performance, reliability, and sheer driving joy that proved a single point: your daily driver is a capable track car, and no trailer, dedicated cooling setup, or post-track mechanical inspection is required.
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance Makes Its Track Debut
All eyes were on the new 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance (MYP) as it hit the racetrack for the first time. A couple of Tesla MYPs joined the grid, eager to show what the latest platform can deliver at the track. The new Model Y Performance features improved power, suspension, and seat bolstering, making it more optimized for high-performance driving out of the box.
The Unplugged Performance Model Y Performance was built as a street-first, occasional-track setup, proving you don’t need a full race build to run fast. The build included Unplugged Performance stainless steel brake lines, street and track brake pads, Motul RBF 700 brake fluid, Moderate Option Dual Rate lowering springs, a rear UP adjustable sway bar, and a set of 20-inch (20×9.5) Satin Titanium UP-03 forged wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich g-Force PHENOM T/A tires on 275/35R20.
With that setup, the Unplugged Performance Model Y ran a 2:02 on its first outing at Buttonwillow CW13, a remarkable result for a daily driven family vehicle, let alone anything calling itself a sports car. Unplugged Performance is confident the car will break the 2-minute barrier next time around.
No Trailer. No Mechanic. No Problem.
Traditional combustion-powered track days come with a long checklist: trailers to haul the car, dedicated cooling setups, and post-event mechanical inspections. At TeslaCorsa 43, every Tesla arrived under its own power and left the same way. Drivers pushed their vehicles through Buttonwillow’s demanding CW13 layout session after session, with zero mechanical failures across the entire field. Between sessions, a Tesla Supercharger conveniently located on-site allowed drivers to top off their charge and return to the track in minutes.
For Southern California drivers, this reliability changes the equation entirely. There is no need for a second car, a trailer, or a weekend-only hobby vehicle. A Tesla owner in Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, or anywhere in SoCal can wake up on a Saturday morning, drive to Buttonwillow, spend the day racing, and let Full Self-Driving (Supervised) handle the cruise home, arrive rested and ready for whatever comes next.
From Mailman to Track Driver: First-Timers Find Their Speed
TeslaCorsa 43 welcomed six first-time track drivers, several of whom had never experienced organized motorsport in any form. Among them was Damien, a retired mailman who arrived at Buttonwillow with zero racing experience and plenty of nerves. By his second session, he was charging through corners with a grin that never left his face.
Stories like Damien’s are central to the TeslaCorsa mission. No prior track experience is required, no vehicle modifications are necessary, and the instructional format is designed to build confidence at every skill level. If you own a Tesla, you are ready.
Every Tesla. Every Trim. Every Skill Level.
TeslaCorsa 43 featured a remarkable cross-section of the Tesla lineup: first-generation Model S, Model S Plaids unleashing their full power, Cybertrucks drawing attention in every session, Model 3s across all trims, an UP.FIT Patrol Model Y, and the newly debuted Model Y Performance. All proving that any Tesla platform can hold its own on a racetrack. No prior track experience is required, and no modifications are necessary.
What’s Next: TeslaCorsa 44 on May 16, 2026
After a successful season opener, TeslaCorsa will return to Buttonwillow Raceway Park on May 16, 2026, but this time on the Circuit track configuration. Whether you are a seasoned track veteran or a curious Tesla owner who has never turned a competitive lap, TeslaCorsa 44 is your opportunity to join the fastest-growing community in electric motorsport. Spots fill quickly, and registration is now open on Eventbrite.
Register: TeslaCorsa 44 on Eventbrite