Is NASCAR Going Electric?

What’s Happening?

As reported by journalist Adam Stern on X (formally Twitter), it would appear that NASCAR is planning to move forward with testing electronic vehicles. A test is slated to take place at Martinsville Speedway this December and fans could see what an all-electric NASCAR stockcar looks like as early as January 2024.

You Need To Know:

• NASCAR has toyed with the possibility of going electric in years past. They view it as an important step to not only evolve with the changing world but also attract new potential manufacturers. As the world continues to change, so has the focus of many American car manufacturers as they seem to have started leaning more towards electric vehicles.
• Earlier in the year, it was reported that NASCAR was toying with the idea of an all-electric exhibition racing series. Though, later on in the spring, NASCAR shut down the possibility of an all-electric series in the immediate future, this news seems to suggest that something is in the works. Whether it be for the all-electric series a generation 8 car remains to be seen.
• Predictably, fans are not too pleased with this news. For many of them, when it came out earlier in the year that an all-electric series was off the table, it was a huge sigh of relief. Many believe that this news was put out there just to gauge fan interest. The interest in electric cars coming into NASCAR is seemingly low, with a handful of fans threatening to stop watching the sport entirely.

"NASCAR will test its electric racecar in December, this time at Martinsville Speedway and it could make its public debut to fans, as early as January 2024." – @KickinTheTires https://t.co/AeuTNC3K6e

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) November 4, 2023

Is this just NASCAR gaging fan reactions or is it something to be taken seriously as the sport continues to evolve? Only time will tell. But with a test slated this December, it appears that it will be sooner rather than later that we’ll get a glimpse of an all-electric NASCAR stockcar turning laps.

The Main Characters

I think the main characters of this story are primarily the auto manufacturers. Clearly, they have shifted focus more toward electric vehicles as opposed to gas-powered engines. Since Dodge left, and even before then, NASCAR has been eager to get new manufacturers involved in the sport. This switch to electric-powered cars is the latest attempt to gain their attention.

Earlier this year, on Corey Lajoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast, Steve O’Donnell touched on the possibility of scoring new manufacturers in NASCAR.

From The Officials

This news broke in the Phoenix Raceway Media Center on Friday. Below, you can watch everything that was discussed regarding the future of NASCAR.

Also Read:

8 Biggest Takeaways from NASCAR’s State of the Sport Address

In The Stands

While there are a few fans on board with the potential change, a large majority of fans loathe the idea of electric cars in NASCAR and they loudly voiced their opinions and frustrations on X (formerly Twitter).

T Jay says that NASCAR can go ahead and put their electric stockcar in the junkyard. He’s done if they introduce electrically powered cars.

Kitt poked fun at the overwhelmingly negative reaction from fans.

Mike McCarthy seems skeptical of NASCAR’s intentions by releasing this bit of news. His eyebrows certainly are raised.

Kenny seems more on board with the idea. Yes, Kenny, NASCAR has been toying with this idea for quite a while.

Gary Owen comments on the possible hypocrisy of NASCAR fans who beg for more horsepower only to scoff at electric engines.

LionManatic2048 is open to the idea of electric cars in NASCAR but only if they stay in their own series. They do not want the top 3 touched, arguing that the thrill of the at-track experience would be gone.

Dmin with a hilariously tongue-in-cheek response…

Phillip Sterling is seemingly pretty upset with the news, arguing that NASCAR is out of touch with its core fanbase.

On Your Screen

One of my favorite YouTubers, JetMDK, made this video, reacting to the State of the Sport address given on Friday.

Yay or nay, Daily Downforce readers? Is there a place for full-electric cars in NASCAR? What are your thoughts? Let us know on all of our social media platforms (Facebook, X or Twitter, Instagram, etc.) Meanwhile, the future is still around a month away. In the meantime, keep it right here at DailyDownforce.com for all the latest news and stories in the world of NASCAR!