NASCAR gives a major update on its electric racing car, confirms building an EV with ‘alternative body style’

NASCAR still has alternative fuel options as the primary objective.

NASCAR gives a major update on its electric racing car, confirms building an EV with ‘alternative body style’

2023 Chicago Street Race (Via IMAGO)

Electric vehicle in NASCAR has been a topic that occasionally storms up and causes some backlash from fans. It has been known for the last few years that NASCAR is working on building an EV, and it is seen as one of the ways forward. Ahead of the 2023 season finale, the premier stock car racing sanctioning body confirmed the existence of an EV built at the sport’s R&D center.

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer, has confirmed that the building of the EV racing car was already done and tested. The test runs were done at zMax Dragway, and reportedly, they had positive results. O’Donnell also confirmed that it has a different body design than the Next-Gen cars currently in use.

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NASCAR isn’t planning to race with it, though, at the moment. The focus remains on finding sustainable fuels. A contingent from the sanctioning body led by the CEO is going to Japan to explore hydrogen racing, which can be a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Introducing a hybrid car might also be on the books for NASCAR.

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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.

EV Racing has made some big strides

Most racing series worldwide are exploring having more hybrid vehicles to race. There are currently six top racing series that use fully electric vehicles and are gaining momentum among the fan base around the world.

Extreme E race
Extreme E race (Via Offroadextreme.com)

At the pinnacle of EV Racing is Formula E, the electric counterpart of Formula One. It features some of the biggest racing teams and manufacturers in its lineup and has a star lineup of drivers as well. The series has also produced some really good close-quarter racing.

Another major EV racing success story is the Extreme E. It is an off-road championship that features a mixed field and races in areas that require attention over its worsening climate situations. The electric counterpart of MotoGP, MotoE, is another solid initiative.

Then there are the ETouring Cars Series, Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, and Nitro Rallycross Group E, renowned for their racing output.  The ETouring cars have recently gained some momentum on the EV racing scene.

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