NASCAR Set to Test Its Electric Car in December; Leaves the Fans Raging

It is no secret that the upgrade to the Next Gen car has received mixed reviews from drivers, teams, experts, and fans. While many have grown fond of the competition that it provides, a good number still remain unhappy with the type of racing witnessed, especially on short tracks. With the dust still settling on that, NASCAR has provided a massive update on its electric car and fans don’t seem to be happy about it.

Adapting to any change is always a challenging factor. While there are concerns with the Next Gen car, the idea of an electric car was only going to send out more worrying signs. However, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell brings an in-depth update on what to expect from the electric car.

NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell discusses plan to test electric car in December

There is no doubt that globally, more people are buying electric vehicles (EVs) and car manufacturers have started spending much more on their R&D. While EVs demand is fueled by environmental concerns, the resources available pose a significant challenge. Just over a year ago, it was rumored that NASCAR had built an electric car and also tested it.

Recently, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell spoke in detail about it. As per KickinTheTires.net, he confirmed that there are currently no plans to start a new racing series involving the electric car. While the car was tested at zMax Dragway, the results turned out to be positive.

At the moment, NASCAR is gauging the fans’ reactions and also looking at alternative fuel options for the near future. O’Donnell said, “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.”

He added, “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. I am actually headed to Japan on Thursday to go look at hydrogen racing, specifically. So, we have a contingent heading over to Japan to look at that.”

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Further, it has been confirmed that NASCAR will be testing its electric car in December at the Martinsville Speedway. If things go as planned, it is even likely that the car could be made public to the fans in January 2024. While it remains an interesting prospect, there are plenty of details that come into play with it. One of them involves the fans’ perspective. In fact, with this announcement, the NASCAR faithful hardly looked pleased.

Steve O’Donnell’s announcement to test electric cars receives flak

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NASCAR has always relied on its fans to make the sport what it is today. With the current change involving the Next Gen car, it is difficult for many to accept the new reality. Naturally, with that in mind, the concept of an electric car was only going to make it more challenging to digest.

After Steve O’Donnell announced the details of an electric car at the State of the Sport conference, the fans took it to social media. They expressed their unhappiness towards the idea in their own creative way. One of them said, “There’s a few great junkyards out there for your electric car! You run it…I’m out…& I’m a lifetime fan.”

Another fan spoke on similar lines as he said, “Ehhh. Most likely lose me as a fan when cup goes electric.” On the other hand, one fan pointed out how fixing the Next Gen car is a challenge and that should be the priority. He said, “Let’s fix the current car first.”

While there were plenty of negative reactions, some did try to see the light with this announcement. One fan placed a simple condition that would excite him. He said, “When test concludes 260 miles without any issues then I’ll be interested.” On the other hand, one fan had an alternate suggestion. He said, “Cool. I suggest they build a hybrid instead of an all electric.”

With the reactions present online, a majority of fans looked not in favor of the electric car. This certainly makes it difficult for NASCAR and it is interesting to what happens when they publicly present the car next year.

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