“Never watching that crap, Kill NASCAR in one post”- Fans react as NASCAR announces the debut of EV race cars at the LA Clash

The new NASCAR RV race car has been creating a buzz around the sport since the start of the 2023 season.

“Never watching that crap, Kill NASCAR in one post”- Fans react as NASCAR announces the debut of EV race cars at the LA Clash

NASCAR Truck Series race at Talladega (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR is set to showcase the EV race car the R&D department has developed in the first race of the 2024 season. It will run demonstration runs during the unofficial season opener, the Clash, at The Colloquium in LA. David Ragan, a veteran NASCAR racer with successful stints with Rouch Fenway Racing, will drive the car.

This is part of NASCAR’s future initiatives to curb its carbon footprint.  The growth of the EV market amidst environmental concerns made NASCAR invest in building sustainable cars. But the sanctioning body doesn’t see EVs as the sole way to a better future as they are also actively investing in R&D to use hydrogen-fueled cars.

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Towards the end of the last season, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, made a few major revelations about the car. He pointed out that the car has an entirely new body compared to regular cars used in the sport. He also confirmed that the car would be showcased in more than one event in 2024. Hence, fans can expect show runs or displays of the car in multiple races this year.

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A lot of work has gone on at the R&D department around EV. We have a car; we have an alternative body style with that car. I would not look at us to specifically go racing with it. I think you could see it showcased at certain events next year. But there are other forms that we want to look at.
Steve O’Donnell said, as reported by kickinthetires.net.

Here is how fans reacted to the announcement

The world of motorsports and the fans don’t have the best relationship regarding EV Racing cars replacing the current vehicles. Despite understanding the motives behind the changes, the fans often want the championship to explore other options, especially hybrid options, before going deep into EVs.

Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway (Via IMAGO)

The NASCAR fans online is no different. Some were quick to slam NASCAR for the direction of their development plans and claimed that the sport’s roots were being destroyed with the move. Some also criticized the investment into hydrogen-fueled cars, which they believe is a dead-end. Some fans agreed with NASCAR initiatives.

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