NASCAR’s hybrid, electrified long race is still very much alive. Discussions about hybrid engines at NASCAR began a few years ago when the sport’s Next Gen car was being developed, as did rumors of an all-electric series, perhaps starting with show racing.
On Friday at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR executives held their annual State of the Sport address. Among the topics were the evolution towards hybrid engines, electrification and how it all happens.
“I think we’re adopting a really holistic technique in all of our series,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s chief operating officer. “It’s not just about electrification. We continue to move forward with our existing OEMs to assemble a car, what does it look like, what is the price of entertainment around it, what is the racing capability. These plans are moving forward.
O’Donnell added that when it comes to alternatives, going hybrid is rarely just about electricity.
“You also want to take a look at fuels in the future, how things are going,” he said. “You have hydrogen, all kinds of things to look at. “
No matter what the long term holds, O’Donnell said the game has plenty of tactics to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.
“The good news for NASCAR is that we are very, very well placed on all three of our National Series platforms,” he said. “You also have IMSA. The ideal overall for NASCAR is that you can show yourself on a track and see any form of motorsport you need, any kind of power, electric, hydrogen. You need to see noisy engines coming out, it’s NASCAR too.
“Everything that’s happening on stage. A delicate balance with OAs, some on a track, others everywhere. Our task is to manage that.
“At the end of the day, our task is to run entertaining races. Guarantee to listen (NASCAR President Steve Phelps) and (NASCAR CEO) Jim France: If it’s not entertaining, we don’t. We’re going to make sure that everything we do has that look for the fans.
While all of this work is unfolding, a timeline of when other people will start seeing new things hasn’t actually been discussed publicly, as of Friday.
“I think as early as next year we start to see some things in terms of development, in terms of the right path,” O’Donnell said. next year too.