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Dale Jr. Ridicules NASCAR VP's Idea of Having Electric Race Cars: "It Would Destroy The Series"
TL;DR
Dale Earnhardt Jr. criticized the idea of introducing electric race cars to NASCAR's O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, claiming it would 'destroy the series.' He highlighted the ongoing debate about electrification in motorsports and its potential repercussions for NASCAR.
Key points
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. opposes electric race cars in NASCAR.
- He believes it would harm the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
- Electrification is a debated topic in motorsports.
- Formula One has adopted partial electrification.
- Discussions about electric cars in NASCAR are ongoing.
Mentioned in this story
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesNASCARFormula E
NASCAR EV | Courtesy: NASCAR
Former NASCAR driver and co-owner of JR Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr., has ridiculed the idea of having electric race cars in the sport's second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly known as the Xfinity Series), saying "it would destroy the series."
Electrification of motorsports is a highly debated topic, and while other forms of motorsports, such as Formula One, have embraced partial electrification (50%), electrifying NASCAR could have serious repercussions, according to Dale Jr.
There is also Formula E, which is an exclusive all-electric single-seater series comprising race cars that run entirely on batteries. While NASCAR could take that route through an all-new electric series, talks about introducing electric cars to the current race format have already begun.
NASCAR’s executive vice president, John Probst, said that introducing electric race cars in NASCAR's tier-two series is one of the sport's long-term goals.
NASCAR Already Developed an Electric Race Car Prototype Two Years Ago
NASCAR EV | Courtesy: NASCAR
NASCAR revealed an electric race car prototype in 2024, developed by ABB, that produces 1,341 horsepower and looks more like a crossover utility vehicle (CUV). According to a report by AutoBlog, the car is built on a 756-volt electrical architecture featuring a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery that sits on the right side of the floor to mimic the handling of a gas-powered car.
The other components, such as the rack and pinion steering, double wishbone suspension, and 18-inch wheels, have been carried over from a Cup Series car.
Q&A
What did Dale Earnhardt Jr. say about electric race cars in NASCAR?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. ridiculed the idea of electric race cars in NASCAR, stating that it would 'destroy the series.'
How does NASCAR's approach to electrification compare to Formula One?
While Formula One has embraced partial electrification, Dale Jr. argues that NASCAR's potential shift to electric cars could have serious negative impacts.
What is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in NASCAR?
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, formerly known as the Xfinity Series, is the second-tier racing series in NASCAR.
What are the implications of introducing electric cars to NASCAR?
Introducing electric cars to NASCAR could disrupt the current race format and alter the series' identity, according to Dale Jr.
