With NASCAR having been around for more than 75 years, is it really surprising that technology is constantly improving? The future of the automobile industry revolves around electric and hybrid technology. Of course, many people are resistant to this, and would still prefer gasoline-powered cars.

However, there will come a time when, like it or not, the future is coming. People will be dragged into this future, kicking and screaming if necessary. The same applies to NASCAR, where the fans love to cling to tradition like a lifeline. Now, though, it is looking increasingly likely that the stock car racing series is flirting with electric power.

Recently, NASCAR confirmed that there were plans to do a demo run of an electric car. Former NASCAR driver David Ragan was slated to be the one to do the demo at the LA Coliseum. Unfortunately, the demo got delayed because of weather conditions. Now, the sport has finally managed to execute the demo run, and it was pretty successful.

Speaking to Bob Pockrass on the Chicago Street Circuit, David Ragan said, “I do have some guys text me and say, ‘I’m just not the EV guy. That’s a nice-looking car, but it’s not for me.’ Then I have some people text me, ‘Man! That’s really cool! I can’t wait to look at it, can’t wait to see it.’ I’m as big of a traditionalist NASCAR fan and motorsports enthusiast, as they come. I’m an old school guy.”

“I’ve got a lot of old cars, I enjoy tinkering on them. Love the history of our sport, but that’s what NASCAR is all about. It’s merging what the consumers are buying from the local dealerships. Letting the motorsports industry put it on the race track to go race,” he further added.

Of course, there have been the naysayers who have been trying to undermine the EVs. David Ragan insisted that there is no need to be so paranoid, as the change to EVs won’t be immediate. All that it is, is a cool experiment that showcases the technological advancements in the automobile industry. After all, it is impressive that NASCAR has been able to boast of the capability to build an electric-powered car.

This isn’t the only time NASCAR has had a technology revamp

To further sell his point, David Ragan brought up an interesting example. Back in the day, NASCAR used to have carburetors under the hood, which was pretty essential. However, as the years passed, the need for this device diminished, and there was talk of switching to electronic fueling. Obviously, there was plenty of resistance to the move.

Not many were too keen to rely on using a laptop to set up their cars. However, all their protestations were for nothing, as people soon grew used to this new system. Furthermore, this did not adversely affect the quality of racing. This explains why David Ragan is willing to give electric cars a chance.

He firmly believes that it is a matter of when, not if, there will be a NASCAR electric race car. Maybe this could come in the form of a hybrid system or something else altogether. Maybe the quality of racing will still be top-notch, and drivers will work hard to beat each other. Of course, this could also invite teams to exploit the technology to their advantage. He declared, “I encourage all those race fans that are old school, like some of my friends, to give it a shot and enjoy it for what it is.”

The bottom line is that David Ragan strongly supports NASCAR’s attempt to broaden its horizons. And it’ll be interesting to see how NASCAR takes this forward.