WATCH: Kevin Harvick claims “there is no future” for EV racing in NASCAR

NASCAR in an collaboration with ABB unveiled its first EV prototype.

WATCH: Kevin Harvick claims “there is no future” for EV racing in NASCAR

Kevin Harvick (Via IMAGO)

Racing series’ around the world have been pushing for a sustainable future. On the other hand, manufacturers globally have been pushing towards an all-electric future, which urged NASCAR to build a prototype for an EV racing car, that was showcased in Chicago. However, former Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has been a strong critic of this move and claimed that there is no future for EV racing in the stock-car series.

Multiple series worldwide have been trying out the idea of electrification. Extreme E and Formula E are all-electric series, while other racing leagues like F1 and Indycar have gone hybrid. The latter have been avoiding the question of going all-electric in the near future but NASCAR has glorified this proposition and unveiled its first prototype in collaboration with Formula E title sponsor ABB.

Despite NASCAR flirting with the probability of going electric, Kevin Harvick condemned this proposition. He stated that the noise of the roaring engines and the smell of gasoline are spiritual to racing. Without these factors, the audience won’t tune in, which could spell the end of the stock-car racing scene in America.

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Oh, we can do anything. But I will tell you this, there is no future for NASCAR electric vehicle racing. If it does not make noise and smell like it’s burning gas, there is no freaking way that people are tuning in. I appreciate the effort, and I get it. But I wouldn’t spend much more money on it.
Kevin Harvick said on his Happy Hour podcast.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave his verdict on the electrification of the series

While Harvick criticized the move to go electric, other experts and drivers held different opinions. This included NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who welcomed the new move.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

The 49-year-old admitted that he did not have any problem with the series going all-electric. Moreover, it reminded him of his childhood when he used to run RC cars at Dave Maders. It was a fun experience for young Earnhardt, which made him interpret this change as one full of entertainment.

I don’t really have a problem with this. Reminds me of those years messing with slot cars at Dave Maders. That was fun. Reminds me of the carpet RC cars I fooled with for years. That was fun. It’s just a big toy. Should be fun.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

Though Earnhardt welcomed the decision, multiple experts have reckoned the proposition to be interfering with the essence of the sport. Fanbase across the world strongly correlates the sound of NASCAR races with that of gas-guzzling V8s. Thus, a change might create a large-scale outcry among the fans and the pundits.

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