One Lap of America Day 5: Using VIR to better trust the Ioniq 5 N

Five days of hard driving, three hours of sleep and over 600 horsepower on tap. What a time to be alive.

Tom has reached a point where he better understands the strengths and weaknesses of the Ioniq 5 N, which, in turn, helped him enjoy his time on track even more.

As for Andy, the Hyundai’s performance was as quick as expected, though the roller coaster section of VIR certainly gave the impression of actually being on a roller coaster: While the Ioniq 5 N didn’t lose grip, the suspension and the 5000-pound heft of the car left him feeling like the car was bouncing.

Regardless, both drivers were able to use VIR to learn how to trust the Ioniq 5 N better, which resulted in faster and faster lap times.

Is the Ioniq 5 N a viable track day car? Based on our experiences so far, the answer is yes, assuming you have access to reliable charging infrastructure nearby.

The Hyundai only used around 30% of its charge per session–consisting of an out lap, three flying laps, and then a cool-down lap–so roughly 10% per hot lap.

Charging at VIR, on the other hand, proved to be a bit of a challenge. While Tom and Andy had initially plugged the car into a standard 240-volt plug in the paddock, they were informed that electric cars are not permitted to be charged at VIR. (Luckily, the team was able to find a Porsche charging station with a Level 2 charger not too far away.)

Regarding results after VIR, Andy Smedegard’s SuperK–after a blistering sub-2-minute lap–is within 5 points of usurping the current overall leader, the Porsche Cayman of Salil Shukla and Christopher Mayfield.

The best news so far, however, is that Andy, Tom and the Ioniq 5 N are up to 28th place overall, and ahead of the electric Dodge Charger.

Comments

sleepyhead the buffalo GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
5/8/25 4:10 p.m.

Charging at VIR, on the other hand, proved to be a bit of a challenge. While Tom and Andy had initially plugged the car into a standard 240-volt plug in the paddock, they were informed that electric cars are not permitted to be charged at VIR.

sounds like this is the limit of "hold over" from the VIR "no hybrids and evs" ban that went into effect for a little while ago ~2 years ago... which is still "mostly" present at Summit Point.

Glad to see progress on the issue at VIR; I suppose this means there's a business opportunity for someone willing to buy land adjacent to VIR and knows someone to install 800V charging infrastructure?

Tom1200 UltimaDork
5/8/25 4:17 p.m.

Living vicariously through these reports................

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/8/25 5:16 p.m.

Just got a One Lap photo from Randy Pobst.

sleepyhead the buffalo GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
5/8/25 5:28 p.m.

David S. Wallens said:
Just got a One Lap photo from Randy Pobst.

First OneLap Drag races in 6years!

Tom Suddard Publisher
5/8/25 6:56 p.m.

sleepyhead the buffalo said:

Charging at VIR, on the other hand, proved to be a bit of a challenge. While Tom and Andy had initially plugged the car into a standard 240-volt plug in the paddock, they were informed that electric cars are not permitted to be charged at VIR.

sounds like this is the limit of "hold over" from the VIR "no hybrids and evs" ban that went into effect for a little while ago ~2 years ago... which is still "mostly" present at Summit Point.

Glad to see progress on the issue at VIR; I suppose this means there's a business opportunity for someone willing to buy land adjacent to VIR and knows someone to install 800V charging infrastructure?

Yeah, I think this was some sort of worry about the 240V infrastructure in the paddock. The Porsche level 2 chargers were in VIR's Raceplex right outside the track, but that's way too far to effectively paddock at them.

Digitalcriminal New Reader
5/8/25 10:34 p.m.

We need more details. 🙃

What modes used? Lap times?

Appreciate the update!

Tom1200 UltimaDork
5/8/25 10:57 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Randy is having way too much fun in life. LOL

Tom Suddard Publisher
5/9/25 12:22 a.m.

In reply to Digitalcriminal :

I managed a 2:14 as our fastest lap of the day. Here's a picture of our preferred settings, plus N-pedal on regen level 2 and launch control active.

We'll be writing a full story at the end of the week covering all of this in way more depth--these daily updates are what we can put together in our free time.

Currently transiting to Grattan, MI, ETA at the hotel 2 a.m.🫠

CrashDummy Reader
5/9/25 7:11 a.m.

I enjoy reading these daily updates but I do miss the one big One Lap Live Thread from years past.

Questions:

1. What is NAS+? It looks like a picture of an exhaust but that can't be right!

2. Can you explain what the N pedal is? I can tell it has something to do with regen but what is it?

3. How does the One Lap experience of competing in the mid-field compare to competing closer to the front like you guys have for the last few years?

Tom Suddard Publisher
5/9/25 12:41 p.m.

That's the synthetic exhaust note--which is actually really helpful. Without it, we'd have a tough time gauging speed on track. You can pick from a few sounds; we run in "ignition" which is sort of sport bike adjacent.

N-pedal is basically really aggressive lift-off regen from the throttle. Tesla would call it one-pedal driving.

The mid-field experience is.. different. Not worse by any means, just different. Things are more laid back, we're less stressed, and we're less rushed. But, we do definitely miss running at the pointy end.