Rumor: NASCAR to run demo race with electric cars

Screenshots of a document leaked to an online chat forum and obtained by Kickin’ the Tires, purportedly shows NASCAR’s intention to debut a prototype electric vehicle ahead of the 2023 Busch Clash at The Coliseum and then morph that prototype into a racing series at six racing venues “likely aligned with Cup Series events.”

NASCAR did not address the document specifically, which was provided to them, nor confirm if it was theirs; however, the following statement was provided to Kickin’ the Tires, “As we have mentioned in the past, we are exploring the potential for an EV demonstration series. We are currently working with our OEM partners and race teams as the program progresses.”

Several sources have previously confirmed that NASCAR was in the planning and development stages of EV implementation.

According to the information, which is yet to be confirmed by NASCAR, the target launch for the racing series would be in the third quarter of 2023 and features, two races consisting of 30-minutes apiece – one on Saturday and another on Sunday.

12 vehicles total (3/4 per OEM)
Lap time targets equivalent to NG ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) platform
No battery swaps/charging (evaluate implementation in Phase 2)
Non-competitive pit stops for tires or to fix mechanical/crash damage

Earlier this year during a press conference in March, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Chief Operating Officer, confirmed that NASCAR was looking into an “exhibition series” utilizing electric vehicles. He didn’t say how far along those plans were but he stressed that whatever that series looked like, the most important aspect would be to ensure that it was entertaining to the NASCAR fanbase.

“We are exploring some opportunities around an exhibition series in that space, and as everyone knows, there is a huge push across all of our OEM partners and potentially new OEM partners, so it is important for us to explore that space,” O’Donnell told members of the media at the time.

“I think there is a lot of interest from our current partners to be part of that but we look at NASCAR as a place where in an ideal world we’d be all things to all things to all people. So, if you went to a NASCAR event weekend, you could see whatever type of technologies you wanted throughout a race weekend, so we will take a look at an electric series.

“If we are going to get into an electric space, I promise you it will be entertaining, and it will be something that fits into our portfolio and something our fans will be proud of.”

Electric Vehicle Specifications

The document also indicates, common electric vehicle powertrains that would be used in Phase 1 would include:

All wheel drive
DC Voltage – 900V max
Motors – 3 Ultra high power (>1000 hp)
Regen (Power Regeneration Unit) – 200 kW (kilowatts)
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