Why Are NASCAR Fans Dead Set Against Electric Racing?

The electric car versus fossil fuel-powered car is an argument that has raged for a long time. This has never been more prominent than it is now in the racing arena. It probably started when the Formula E Series began, all the way back in 2014. There was a fair amount of trepidation from the fans, but the series has been going strong ever since. Beyond that, more and more all-electric series are popping up, so it wasn’t long before NASCAR started butting into the conversation.

However, it is worth noting that the NASCAR community has staunch traditional views on racing. As a result, the idea of an electric NASCAR car would be an anathema for them. However, as time and technology progressed, it was inevitable that there would be whispers about electrification. Back in 2022, there were suggestions of a demonstration at the LA Coliseum, but that never materialized.

There is a fresh debate about electrification in NASCAR

Recently, there was a leaked image that supposedly depicted what an electric NASCAR car would possibly look like. Apparently, it caused a bit of an uproar in the NASCAR community, and it was massive. Some of the criticism of the leaked images ranged from complaints about the concept of electric cars to more absurd ones. A few pointed out the color of the car, which they felt made it look hideous, but that was quickly squashed.

Some even took note of a massive rear wing on the back of the car. A fair number of fans were not too fond of the giant wing, but then again, there will likely be a chance that the wing will come off later. The dislike is justified because the spoiler will add unnecessary weight to the already heavy NASCAR Cup cars. Some questions have also been raised about the cars’ longevity over the span of a single race.

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According to Road and Track, the EV concept will be in line with the original Next Gen test car. They are expected to look like exaggerated, ultra-aggressive takes on their production car counterparts at Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. So the electric cars will resemble crossover cars that are currently in the market.

This will be the direction that manufacturers will go in the future

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At the end of the day, the manufacturers see NASCAR as a marketing vehicle for OEMs. The electric cars in question are the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer SS, and the Toyota BZ4X. As it happens, more consumers are buying crossovers and SUVs, so NASCAR may have to adapt in order to reflect the consumer market. According to reports, the EVs will have a spec powertrain and spec chassis, which should be good news for fans of OEMs This is because the idea could offer a cheaper opportunity for an OEM to try and enter the NASCAR arena.

Additionally, there is potential for use of alternative fuels and sustainable methods. Who knows, maybe NASCAR could break ground by exploring the idea of hydrogen-powered cars or synthetic fuels. Unfortunately, the persistent fans still believe that these cars are not in the spirit of NASCAR. However, whether they like it or not, it appears that the stock car racing series is going ahead with its plan.

As per a Kickin The Tires report, NASCAR tested the car at the Charlotte Motor Speedway drag strip. Apparently, there was plenty to smile about, so it was assumed that the test yielded positive results. In spite of all this, the sanctioning body is continuing to explore ways to implement new technologies. After all, the technological race never ends, and more and more new technologies are being discovered and being introduced into the consumer market. That is why NASCAR needs to test all the advancements for the cars’ road-going counterparts.

What do the NASCAR higher-ups have to say about the matter?

NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell recently held a press conference at Phoenix Raceway, ahead of the finale. He revealed that the stock car racing series is working with current and prospective manufacturers regarding an alternative fuel division. He said, “Yeah, a lot of work’s 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 for us specifically to go racing with it. I think you could see it showcased at certain events next year. But there’s other forms that we want to look at.”

It is believed that more tests of the EV are expected, and the next one will be at the Martinsville Speedway during the winter. However, it is also interesting to note a rumor that O’Donnell is expected to travel to Japan. Apparently, there is an idea to explore a hydrogen racing platform alongside its previously discussed electrification projects. For now, though, NASCAR will be focusing on the upcoming 2024 season. It will be a chance for newly crowned champion Ryan Blaney to defend his maiden Cup Series title. At the same time, it will also be a chance for other drivers to battle him for the championship.

Furthermore, there were rumors that NASCAR would launch an electric series for the 2023 season. However, it is almost the end of the year now, and there is no sign of the electric series. O’Donnell continued, “We want to kind of test each and every form. I’m really excited about what our teams put together around an electric car. Again, wanted to showcase that to the fans and explore other technologies, as well.”

Last year, when the Next Gen car made its debut, the original plan was to follow it up with a hybrid powerplant. Unfortunately, the unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the works. It didn’t help that the technological race did not wait for them at all. No matter hell or high water, development continued on alternative fuels. On the bright side, if NASCAR does explore the electric option and more manufacturers show interest, it will boost marketing opportunities.

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