NASCAR EV Slammed By Former Driver – ‘Wouldn’t Spend Much More Money On It’

NASCAR recently unveiled a 1,300-horsepower electric vehicle (EV) prototype. The reveal, which took place at the Chicago street circuit, marks a significant step toward potentially revolutionizing a sport traditionally powered by combustion engines. The prototype features a crossover-style body using flax-based fiber composite and includes a design reminiscent of 2010 NASCAR models.

However, this bold move has not been met with universal applause. While some see it as a forward-looking innovation, others like long-time fans and professionals within the sport, including former NASCAR Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick, have expressed concerns. They argue that electrification could erase the sound of roaring engines and the smell of gasoline—elements considered integral to the NASCAR experience.

NASCAR’s new prototype is equipped with three motors—providing about 1,341 horsepower—which are placed to power both the front and rear wheels. This setup allowed for a unique demonstration of the vehicle’s instant torque with a standing start, a departure from the traditional rolling start associated with NASCAR races.

Comparatively, other racing series like IndyCar and Extreme E are also adapting to new energy formats, with IndyCar incorporating hybrid systems and Extreme E planning a shift toward hydrogen power. Formula 1, while fielding questions about a potential all-electric future, remains committed to its hybrid model for now.

The introduction of NASCAR’s EV prototype is not indicative of an immediate switch to all-electric racing, according to organizational spokespeople. Rather, it serves as an exploration of potential future technology applications within the sport.

On his podcast, “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour,” Harvick shared his doubts about the viability and excitement of electric racing, stating, as quoted by Planet F1:

“I really think that the EV push came from the manufacturers and NASCAR started this project, and the EVs aren’t doing as well as what they were when this project started.

“I think it’s great to see that you have something, but I think NASCAR was so far down the line with the EV project being pushed by the manufacturers that they finished it.

“But I think that the manufacturers at one point were like ‘hey each of us will build three of them, we’ll put on exhibition races.’ And I think when the EV thing went away, the manufacturers were like ‘hey we’re not going to do that anymore. Thanks but no thanks.’

“Now NASCAR is stuck with this electric vehicle that they can do some demonstrations with but that’s really the only thing that excites me about it.

“There’s really nothing about a race car that doesn’t make noise that has any excitement for me.”

The former driver continued:

“I really think that the EV push came from the manufacturers and NASCAR started this project, and the EVs aren’t doing as well as what they were when this project started,” Harvick said.

“I think it’s great to see that you have something, but I think NASCAR was so far down the line with the EV project being pushed by the manufacturers that they finished it.

“But I think that the manufacturers at one point were like ‘hey each of us will build three of them, we’ll put on exhibition races.’ And I think when the EV thing went away, the manufacturers were like ‘hey we’re not going to do that anymore. Thanks but no thanks.’

“Now NASCAR is stuck with this electric vehicle that they can do some demonstrations with but that’s really the only thing that excites me about it.

“There’s really nothing about a race car that doesn’t make noise that has any excitement for me.

“But I will tell you this: There is no future for NASCAR electric vehicle racing.

“If it does not make noise and smell like it’s burning gas, there is no freaking way that people are tuning in.

“I appreciate the effort, and I get it. But […] I wouldn’t spend much more money on it.”