NASCAR executive details the future of the sport
For 75 years, NASCAR has brought fire-breathing race cars to tracks in every corner of the United States. It’s the highest level of stock car racing, auto racing in general within America.
But, the production counterparts are changing, fast. For years, NASCAR has been on top of those changes.
They have their thumbs on the pulse of the automotive markets. For years they’ve been exploring alternative power options that are closer to what auto makers are using already but also in the future.
And now, they have a car. This is the first time we’re hearing of an EV developed by NASCAR. They’ll be showcasing that car in front of the fans as early as 2024.
NASCAR is interested in exploring outside of the United States
“I would say first of all, really proud of what we’ve done in North America in terms of safety and working with the FIA,” Steve O’Donnell stated.
“We have great cooperation between NASCAR and INDYCAR and all of the forms of motorsports in the U.S. I think you’re seeing some of the technology we’ve actually come up with be utilized in other forms of racing, which is terrific to see.”
“For us, it will be a delicate balance depending on where we go, closer relationships with certain FIA leaders in specific countries, some we have to get to know.”
“We’ll continue to look at what forms of racing we would bring outside the U.S., what technology is under the hood. A lot of opportunities for us as a sport, be it alternative fuels, electric, hydrogen. Everything’s on the table, which is unique for I think us as a sanctioning body in terms of having that Garage 56 program, having our Next Gen car designed specifically for all kinds of different power units.”
“We’re excited about the opportunities and can vary those depending on where we’re at, country or continent.”
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NASCAR is exploring electric
“Yeah, a lot of work’s gone on at the R&D department around EV,” Steve O’Donnell stated.
“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.”
“I’m actually headed to Japan Thursday to go look at hydrogen racing specifically. We’ve got a contingent heading over to Japan to look at that.”
“We want to kind of test each and every form. 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.”
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Talks of a new manufacture
“It’s a question that we keep getting. Rightly so,” O’Donnell added.
“There is certainly interest. I think one of the reasons we went over with Garage 56 was to continue to spur that interest.”
“The challenge remains for us what engine package are we going to be running, specifically around Cup. The good news is all of our existing OEs are very open to dialogue now about where the new technologies are going.”
“As everybody here reads about the auto industry. It’s in flux, right? There’s a lot of technologies being looked at. Things change almost monthly in terms of what is going to be in the hands of consumers.”
“We need to get that right. I think the dialogue that we’re having now with our OEMs is allowing us to have those conversations with potential new partners.”
“It’s part of the trip when we go over to Japan to look at that. It was part of the trip when we went to Le Mans, to have conversations with new OEMs. As Steve talked about earlier with the charter discussions, as we look at our team owners, to be able to see a new OEM or two with our car owners and bring some interest into the sport. It remains a goal.”
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