Nascar Provides Update On Hybrid And Electrification In The Sport

The hybrid, electrified future for NASCAR is still very much alive. Talk of hybrid engines in NASCAR started a few years ago as the sport’s Next Gen car underwent development, as did the rumors of an all-electric series, perhaps starting out as exhibition races.

Friday at Phoenix Raceway NASCAR executives held their annual state of the sport address. Among the subjects discussed was the move towards hybrid engines, electrification and how it’s all going.

“I think we’re taking a really holistic approach across all of our series,” NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell said. “It’s not just electrification. We are still moving forward with our existing OEMs to look at putting a car together, how does that look, what is the entertainment value around that, what’s the raceability. Those plans are moving forward.”

O’Donnell added that when it comes to alternatives, going hybrid isn’t just about using electricity.

“You also have to look at fuels in the future, how is that going to affect things, he said. “You’ve got hydrogen, all kinds of things to look at.”

No matter what the future holds, O’Donnell said the sport has plenty of ways to leverage the opportunities moving forward.

“The good news for NASCAR is we’re positioned really, really well across all three of our national series platforms,” he said. “You also have IMSA. The ideal world for NASCAR is you can show up at a racetrack and you can see any form of motorsports you want, any type of power, electric, hydrogen. You want to see some loud engines going out there, that’s NASCAR, too.

MORE FROM FORBESNascar’s Next Gen Car Is Preparing The Sport For ElectrificationBy Greg Engle

“All that is going on behind the scenes. A delicate balance with the OEs, some down one lane, some all over. Our job is to manage that.

“At the end of the day our job is to put on entertaining races. Guarantee you’ll hear from (NASCAR president Steve Phelps) and (NASCAR CEO) Jim France: If it’s not entertaining, we’re not doing it. We’re going to make sure whatever we do will have that aspect for the fans.”

While all that work as been going on behind the scenes a timeline as to when people will start seeing new things hasn’t really been discussed publicly, until Friday that is.

“I think as soon as next year you’ll start to see some things in terms of development, in terms of on track,” O’Donnell said. “Still targeting ’24. You’ll see us do a lot of different things during next year also.”