It was in 2024, at the Chicago Street Race on July 6, when NASCAR unveiled its all-electric prototype in partnership with ABB. This was in line with keeping their motive straightforward towards the commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. However, the announcement sparked debate rather than universal appreciation, similar to the past instances where NASCAR’s new initiatives faced backlash. Recently, similar reactions have emerged once again, although this time aligned more with suggestions. 

Last year, NASCAR’s some traditional stock car racing fans perceived this move as a blatant disregard for traditions in favor of cutting costs. Despite that, NASCAR didn’t stop to excel in their determination of the sustainability motive. And going by the latest development it looks like Chevy has taken a lead in anchoring NASCAR’s drive to EV route. This has again opened the dialogue among the ardent supporters of the sport, and let’s just say they are not thrilled about the potential changes.

NASCAR’s electric vehicle for all-time testing

Veteran journalist Bob Pockrass shared a picture on X of a blue and white Chevy car, pointing out, that it wasn’t a normal stock car but rather the Chevrolet EV version. Along with the visuals of the car, Pockrass wrote, “Chevrolet’s EV NASCAR Blazer prototype that is a modified Next Gen chassis. This will be what it uses in testing anything NASCAR-related when it comes to electric vehicles.”

After Ford unveiled their electric crossover racer last month, it looks like Chevy is also making significant gains with their EV program. Moreover, the Chevy Blazer EV.R joins the Ford Mustang Mach-E as OEM prototypes that use a modified NASCAR Next Gen Car chassis. The new prototype closely resembles the road-going Blazer SS EV, featuring a lower and wider stance with enhanced aerodynamics. The standout specifications for the Blazer EV.R include its trio of potent six-phase electric motors capable of reaching 15,000 rpm. It has undergone severe testing at a race pace, with Team Chevy Driver Justin Allgaier, driving the same. 

“I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed,” said Justin Allgaier, “With this platform we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance.” It becomes clear on the part that driving an electric vehicle requires a different approach compared to traditional combustion engine cars. Whether this car will officially take over the Cup Series is a different debate altogether, but a different Chevy EV will take center stage at Daytona this year.

The Chevrolet SS EV will be present in the Daytona 500, taking to the field as the official pace car. While this is just a small step towards the EV future, fans are not having it and you can expect a chorus of boos when the pace car takes to the field at Daytona. And before they boo their lungs out at ‘The Great American Race’, the fans shared their unfiltered opinions on social media.

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Fans’ stances on the new Chevrolet EV Blazer

It is very evident if NASCAR transitions from a fuel engine vehicle to an electric vehicle, the touch of the traditional stock car racing that fans loved would start losing their interest too. The smell of burning fuel and tires heating up on the asphalt is what every racing fan craves. This fan base has a deep-rooted love for the sounds and feel of high-revving combustion engines. Indicating a similar feeling a fan said, “Fastest way to lose your base….🤦”

Echoing the sentiments of the previous fan, another voiced their preference, saying, “They 1000% lose me with electric racecars. I don’t care about what the manufacturers want. They could do hybrid and I wouldn’t care but this a no for me.” While the person is ready to compromise on the hybrid part, his gripe with NASCAR is prioritizing the interests of manufacturers over the desires of its loyal fans. 

While the other fans keep it straightforward, “Might be the ugliest thing I’ve ever looked at” maybe the visual preferences for this fan didn’t stand up to the mark he is used to with current cars running a circle. Or maybe it’s just another way of venting out general frustrations towards the EV model. However, there was some positive outlook as well, where one fan appreciated the potentiality of the power-packed EV performances. As he expressed, “WOW: Horsepower: 615 horsepower, Torque: 650 pound-feet, 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds, Range: 303 miles”

Not all fans were simply critical. One suggested a way to use this EV without hampering the current Cup Series history. They wrote, “I’m fine with a separate EV series as long as they’re not considering rebranding trucks or Xfinity as an all EV series.” A separate series full of EVs would certainly be entertaining to tune into and would probably not upset the fanbase as much. But again, it’s too soon to make a guess or prediction on what NASCAR is really up to.

What do you think NASCAR should do with their EV stock cars? Let us know in the comments below.