![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR caused a stir last week with their new electric ride! NASCAR like every other motorsport, is being pushed into going all-electric and helping the planet. And this is their step towards eliminating carbon dioxide.
It’s a good thing working to save the environment, right? But most people couldn’t care less. The NASCAR fans blasted NASCAR in the comments saying, “The day this hits the track I’m done.” Moreover, to make matters worse are flabbergasting comments by John Probst NASCAR’s chief racing development officer to promote the EVs. It was so bizarre even spotter Freddie Kraft was taken aback!
NASCAR faces criticism for absurd promotion tactics of EVs
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NASCAR unveiled their first electric car in Chicago on Saturday. They had partnered with Chevrolet, Toyota Ford, and ABB to show off their creation and get the fan base they were hoping for. The prototype was …. drumrolls….whopping $1.5 million!
However, NASCAR does want to lower its carbon footprint and hence, they went forward even though it is quite the pocket pinch. Adam Stern tweeted that NASCAR is in advanced talks to invest in an EV series, so they can get involved in EV racing without it being their main national circuit. Guaranteed, they were willing to promote the EVs, but the way John Probst did is absurd. He said if NASCAR pursues electric racing, they could reinvent the experience by possibly adding a DJ to races. Isn’t that an absurd thing to put forward?
But Freddie Kraft was up and candid about how this is not the way to appeal to the audience. Especially the traditionalists, who very well prefer the cars they are used to. He said at Door Bumper Clear, “If you want to get our fan base excited about this electric car coming, this isn’t it. But let me tell you what they’re gonna do, and I learned this out the hard way when I got in TJ’s Tesla – these cars are gonna haul a**.”
Imagine a NASCAR EV race with DJ Brett headlining – but be honest, would you go? 🔊🔌😂 pic.twitter.com/gVjMEx8ljl
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) July 9, 2024
And he isn’t alone in the skepticism. Many fans are not subscribing to EVs. Even Kevin Harvick doesn’t seem too pleased as for Dale Earnhardt Jr. while he remains curious. Junior doesn’t think that the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series are to be replaced by an EV series. But seems like NASCAR plans to do much more around sustainability. From introducing sustainable fuel to implementing recycling in events to using 100% renewable energy. The goal of NASCAR is to get zero operating emissions by 2035!
The electric car NASCAR introduced is vegan!
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Before we even get into the horsepower. Did you know that the car is vegan? The body of the EV is made from plant-based materials, not carbon fiber. But doesn’t mean it is weak. Don’t go by its body because what it packs inside is where the beauty is. So the current engine that’s used, the V-8 in the next-gen car delivers 679 horsepower. The EV is at another level, giving a horsepower of over 1300. The car has a 78.0 kWh battery and regenerative braking, which NASCAR thinks is perfect for the short tracks and road courses that they’re focusing on. So, it aligns with their long-term goals.
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Introducing ZETA Member⚡️ @ABBNorthAmerica‘s @NASCAR EV Prototype, designed for speed and powered by innovation.
🏎️⚡ This prototype shows that sustainability has the potential to compete with some of the very best! 🌍 #ABB #NASCAR #NASCARChicago #ElectricRacing pic.twitter.com/hMbsHOcO6m
— Zero Emission Transportation Association (@zeta_2030) July 9, 2024
Plus, even though the horsepower is 1300, the car is going to remain silent. While this might be a positive, for some it is a rather turn-off thing. In fact Harvick flat out said, he isn’t interested in a car without a noise. Plus, David Ragan did take a test drive and said that it’s “two-tenths of a second slower” than a gas-powered car.
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Moreover, the design is also in question where some feel like it gives a rather “car of tomorrow” feel. And definitely the design that they put forth will not be what manufacturers go for when it comes to making them.
What do you think about the car? Let us know!