Next Week: NASCAR’s Electric Crossover Prototype Set to Debut!

David Ragan Navigating EV on Track

The forthcoming NASCAR prototype electric vehicle will make its public debut on the Sunday of the NASCAR Clash at the Coliseum, with David Ragan as the driver. This announcement was made by Bob Pockrass, a sports journalist for Fox Sports, through his X account (previously known as Twitter).

First and foremost, it should be clarified that NASCAR has no immediate plans to replace its V8-powered stock cars with an all-electric race car. However, there is a prototype electric vehicle (EV) in the works that will serve as a means of examining the potential for electrified racing in the future. In the years to come, this technology could potentially be refined and incorporated into the cars, further solidifying NASCAR’s aim to introduce hybrid options.

IndyCar, like many other American motorsports series, is jumping on the electrification bandwagon. They plan to introduce a hybrid power unit in the near future, most likely within this year.

NASCAR is currently in the process of creating a battery-powered electric vehicle, which will be showcased during a demonstration run on the final day of the Clash event. The esteemed driver, David Ragan, has been chosen to pilot this revolutionary car. The highly-anticipated announcement also revealed that the car has functional lights included. At this time, there are no confirmed plans for an official series for this electrifying addition to NASCAR’s fleet. However, the organization is actively exploring the possibility of incorporating hydrogen combustible engines into their vehicles.

The journalist refrained from revealing many specifics, however did acknowledge that the new electric model will feature…illumination. As the course is consistently illuminated, the inclusion of a lighting mechanism is a noteworthy enhancement. This could imply that the electric vehicle will be used off the track in some capacity, potentially at exhibitions where it can exhibit the remarkable performance of its electrified engine. Alternatively, it may be exhibited at endurance races as it builds excitement, akin to the Camaro that competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year.

The initial model is predicted to materialize as a hybrid, signifying a significant divergence from present NASCAR vehicles, which imitate family sedans or even pickup trucks in certain categories. However, its physical appearance will not resemble that of a standard, everyday crossover. Thanks to leaked images, we have witnessed that it will still maintain a low profile and sport an immense rear spoiler, a characteristic rarely seen on a typical Toyota RAV4. The notion of a crossover serving as a race car may not seem appealing, but when Honda debuted an 800-horsepower CR-V with racing capabilities, it turned out to be quite impressive.

In addition to electric vehicles (EVs), it has been reported that NASCAR is considering the implementation of hydrogen as a fuel source. This could potentially be seen as a more favorable option for traditionalists, as hydrogen-fueled cars still generate engine noise. If the iconic cross-plane V8 sound were to disappear from stock cars such as the Ford Mustang, it would certainly be regrettable.

According to reports, Steve O’Donnell, the Chief Operating Officer of NASCAR, traveled to Japan in the previous year to observe the progress of hydrogen racing. This innovation is spearheaded by major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota. The company has tirelessly showcased the potential of hydrogen in the world of motorsports, with their impressive GR Corolla participating in the Super Taikyu Series.

Will the atmosphere of NASCAR remain the same when the participants switch to driving electric crossovers? We will have to wait until the following weekend to find out, but we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high.