The Model 3 That Keeps Getting Banned

In the world of EV performance builds, some cars look fast. Others are fast. But then, there’s Jon Bickford’s 2020 Tesla Model 3, a ride that is not only topping leaderboards in legitimate national competition but getting banned from certain events altogether! If that sounds like the kind of legend you’d hear from some smug, track-only beast, think again. This is a daily-driven Model 3 Performance that Jon has personally evolved into one of the fiercest cars on the American autocross and time attack circuits, all while still wearing plates and handling grocery runs. “This is still my daily,” Jon smiles. “Five years and about 180 pounds lighter than stock now.”

Jon was on the verge of buying a Fiesta ST for autocross back in 2016 when fate (and a sold-out dealer lot) rerouted his plans. Though, after a test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance, just around a few city blocks, he was sold. “It changed my whole life. I decided if I really cared about the future, how I spent my money had to reflect that.” He ordered the Model 3 on the spot and wasted no time taking it to the SCCA Super Street class. Early on, rules restricted most modifications, but Jon started experimenting with suspension and setup, ending up with a fast, consistent, properly handled rocket. But he wasn’t done.

Building for Optima

By 2022, Jon had fully committed to making his Tesla a competitive weapon in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Series. To run at the front of that field, you need more than a quick launch. Jon equipped the Model 3 with a comprehensive suite of modifications, focusing on aero, grip, and composure. At the front, a giant carbon fiber splitter adds functional downforce. A VIS Racing carbon hood reduces weight, while Unplugged Performance widebody front fenders allow him to fit massive 325/30R19 Nankang CRS tires up front. The wheels themselves are Unplugged Performance’s Pikes Peak spec, originally designed for its Model S Plaid race car but custom-drilled to match the Model 3’s bolt pattern. “It’s the biggest wheel I could find that fits,” Jon explains. Lightweight aluminum lug nuts shaved off additional grams.

If you’re getting banned, it means you’re doing something right.

In the rear, a VIS Racing carbon trunk and a Mountain Pass Performance swan-neck wing generate much-needed rear-end stability. Paired with a custom aluminum diffuser from MFR Engineering and a flush skid plate up front, airflow under the car stays flat and fast. The difference is noticeable. “I could feel it immediately on the freeway,” he says.

Stopping is just as important as going fast. The build features Unplugged’s big brake kit, Mountain Pass Performance rear rotors, and PFC pads all around. Every part is chosen with a purpose: thermal performance, modulation, and repeatability on long, hot laps.

The suspension setup is the fruit of many iterations. Initially limited by Super Street rules, Jon co-developed what became Unplugged’s “Autocross Package,” running upgraded dampers and a single rear sway bar. Once rules opened up, he stepped up to two-way race-spec coilovers, full control arms and sway bars from Unplugged Performance with bushings, and solid subframe mounts from Mountain Pass. “It’s all dialed in now,” he says. “And it drives better than anything else I’ve owned.”

Every performance advantage counts, especially when it comes to weight. Jon estimates the car is now around 180 pounds lighter than stock, thanks to a full menu of strategic deletions and swaps. Carbon mirrors, deleted rear seats, and the carbon roof panel are just the beginning. Even the frunk tub was removed after he lost first place at an event by just 0.02 seconds! Inside, the car retains a stock layout but with real leather T-Sportline seat covers in matte red carbon overlays on nearly every surface and minimal soundproofing. Jon considered going with race seats, but he drives to every event—sometimes up to 2,500 miles round-trip. “This car still needs to be livable,” he explains.

Too Fast for the Rules

Strangely, not everyone wants him to race. Despite winning 5 out of 5 shootouts at the Goodguys Autocross series, Jon was quietly banned from the 2024 season. The same happened at the Hot Rod Power Tour West, where he drove to Las Vegas from San Diego, only to find out at the track that he was allowed to run exhibition laps but couldn’t compete. He was 0.626 seconds faster than the next best time. “It’s frustrating, but also kind of validating,” he says. “If you’re getting banned, it means you’re doing something right.”

Jon has already planned the next chapter. He’s picked up a brand-new ‘Highland’ Model 3 Performance and will begin migrating parts over at the end of the season. The current car’s legendary widebody setup may be sold off, and a fresh build will begin or be kept for his other half, Jessica, who also drives just as hard as Jon!

Earlier this year at Sebring, Jon didn’t just show up; he absolutely dominated. He took top honors in Autocross, crushed the Speed Stop Challenge so hard the other competitors didn’t return for a second round, and went into the time attack session sitting third overall. His flying lap began with a staggering 1.9g in Turn 1 and 1.7g under braking. That lap was ultimately interrupted by another driver going off-track, and a follow-up run saw unexpected power loss—dropping 18 mph down the back straight. But even with that, Jon secured second overall, just a single point behind a GT3. “The margin was razor-thin,” he admits.

SPECS

Jon Bickford 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance—“TM3JB”

• San Diego, CA

Base Vehicle

• 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance, dual-motor AWD

Chassis & Aero

• Unplugged Performance widebody front fenders
• VIS Racing carbon fiber hood and trunk
• Carbon front splitter
• MFR Engineering custom rear diffuser
• Flush front skid plate
• Mountain Pass Performance swan-neck rear wing
• Carbon fiber roof panel
• Aluminum lightweight lug nuts

Suspension

• Two-way race-spec coilovers from Unplugged Performance
• Unplugged Performance control arms, spring arms, traction arms, trailing arms, camber links, toe links, and sway bars
• Suspension bushings and solid subframe mounts from Mountain Pass Performance

Brakes

• Unplugged Performance big brake kit (front)
• Mountain Pass Performance rear rotors
• PFC racing brake pads

Wheels & Tires

• Unplugged Performance Pikes Peak forged wheels (custom-drilled)
• 325/30R19 Nankang CRS tires

Interior

• T-Sportline red leather seat covers
• Matte carbon overlays
• Deleted rear seats and frunk tub
• Mountain Pass Performance Partybox
• S3XY buttonsForged Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Throughout