3 manufacturers the electric vehicle could lure to NASCAR
As a long-time NASCAR fan with years of experience following the sport and its developments, I am thrilled to see the evolution of the series with the introduction of electric vehicle prototypes. The unveiling of this innovative technology at the Chicago Street Course was a game-changer for NASCAR, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the premier stock car racing series.
In the top-tier stock car racing circuit of America, known as NASCAR, traditional methods are being replaced with new innovations. Since its establishment in 1948, NASCAR has relied on combustible engines to power its racecars. Recently, however, they showcased an electric vehicle prototype at the Chicago Street Course.
ABB-allied innovative electric vehicle showcases a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery and generates an impressive 1341 horsepower. This surpasses the current Horsepower output of Cup Series race cars by almost double, at 670 horsepower. Consequently, this EV promises a significant shift in racing dynamics.
Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, in partnership with NASCAR engineers, developed a prototype. This prototype holds significance for NASCAR’s OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in shaping the future. As expressed by John Probst, NASCAR’s senior vice president and chief racing officer, “NASCAR aims to take the wheel in determining where our future lies.”
The sport is open to welcoming new manufacturers, and an electric vehicle (EV) appears to be the ideal chance for attracting fresh contenders. Here are three potential candidates:
No. 1 – Dodge
Dodge isn’t a fresh name in motorsports, but rather a comeback kid. The brand parted ways from the Cup Series after claiming the championship with Team Penske and Brad Keselowski in 2012. However, it was just Team Penske representing Dodge in the Cup Series. In 2013, they made the switch to Ford, leaving Dodge without any significant financial backing. Consequently, the manufacturer exited the series.
In the year 2022, the last time the Mopar brand was brought up was when Keselowski contacted them. As the co-owner of RFK Racing, he aimed to explore their potential interest in making a comeback to the sport. However, no agreements were reached, leading to speculation about Dodge’s return to fade out.
Previously this year, Dodge introduced an electric variant of the Charger, a road car, which might open up possibilities for its comeback in NASCAR. Given Dodge’s commitment to electric muscle cars and the advent of an EV in NASCAR, such a return could be imminent.
No. 2 – Hyundai
A potential new entrant into the world of sports cars could be Hyundai, the South Korean automaker. Hyundai boasts a long-standing involvement in motorsports; they compete in IMSA and the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Hyndai has achieved victory multiple times in various racing competitions. They have claimed a total of three titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC). In the year 2023, they made a clean sweep of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, taking home both the driver and team championships.
As a gamer, I’ve always wondered why Hyundai hasn’t made it big in stock car racing. To be honest, I haven’t really heard many fans asking for their presence in this sport. And as a manufacturer, I can see why – there doesn’t seem to be much gain for Hyundai in joining NASCAR. But lately, some exciting news has emerged that could shift things around.
I remember reading an article by Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern a few months back. In it, he interviewed Ed Laukes, who used to work for Toyota North America but now consults for Joe Gibbs Racing, the top Toyota team in NASCAR. During their conversation, Laukes mentioned that Hyundai could potentially benefit from NASCAR as a “powerful marketing tool.”
Potential carmakers have set a condition for joining NASCAR: they require a venue to showcase hybrid and electric vehicles (HEVs) to potential buyers. Fortunately, NASCAR now possesses this platform through its prototype electric vehicle.
Hyundai might consider introducing an electric variant of the Sonata, which is a four-door sedan that competes with the Toyota Camry. Entering NASCAR was a challenging process for Toyota, sparking complaints from numerous fans. Similarly, it’s uncertain how straightforward it would be for Hyundai to match this achievement, so they should prepare an effective strategy to keep up with their competition.
It remains to be seen if Hyundai enters stock car racing; nevertheless, having a fourth Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in this sport is long-desired. For Hyundai, this could mean an opportunity to promote their electric vehicles (EVs), introduce new models, and boost their presence in NASCAR. Such a move would benefit both the company and the racing community.
No. 3 – Honda
Honda, a Japanese automaker with a long-standing connection to NASCAR, might have felt compelled to enter the racing circuit following the reveal of electric vehicles. In 2019, whispers circulated that Honda would team up with Richard Petty Motorsports to join the Cup Series in 2020. However, this potential collaboration never materialized.
In the spring of this year, Steve O’Donnell, the COO of NASCAR, spoke about the intense negotiations between NASCAR and a potential fourth manufacturing partner. Immediately, Honda became a topic of speculation. However, Honda and Acura Motorsports Manager Chuck Schifsky denied the rumors in an email.
In spite of this setback, the manufacturer remains a prospect for NASCAR entry. With a current involvement in IndyCar and IMSA, and the introduction of an electric vehicle, they now have a potential opening to debut in stock car racing.
As a dedicated gamer following NASCAR’s latest moves, I can’t help but notice the persistent efforts being made by the league to bring Honda on board. With their recent unveiling of an electric vehicle, NASCAR might just have found the key to sealing the deal. For years now, Honda has been exploring hybrid technology with their Accord model. More recently, they’ve even sent over full-electric vehicles to the US. So, it seems that NASCAR is presenting a compelling argument for partnership by showcasing the exciting potential of electric racing vehicles.
As someone who has been following Honda’s automotive journey for years, I’ve always admired their commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries. So when I heard that the Prologue, their first all-electric SUV, made its debut this year, my curiosity was piqued.
NASCAR is eager to have more automobile brands participate, and currently, an electric vehicle (EV) is prepared for racing competition. If a new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) intends to join, this might be the ideal moment. The opportunity could slip away if they delay their decision.
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2024-07-26 16:02