Steve O’Donnell: NASCAR hopes to break speed records with electric prototype

Last year, NASCAR debuted its electric prototype to mixed reactions. One thing was for sure, it got up and went when the pedal hit the floor. David Ragan was the test driver for the EV prototype last year. Now, Steve O’Donnell has his eyes set on speed records.

NASCAR is using its electric prototype to show off its technological capabilities. Even if they don’t race this car, being able to show the desire to do new things is big for attracting manufacturers.

COO Steve O’Donnell wants to put the new EV to the test.

“I’d like to see it on track more, I’d like to see it maybe testing some of the boundaries of electrification and stock cars, chasing some speed records, so there’s a lot on the table that we can look at with ABB,” O’Donnell said, via Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal.

NASCAR insists there is no plan for an electric racing series. However, they are working together with ABB, the title sponsor for Formula-E, the all-electric open-wheel racing series.

A hatchback design, the NASCAR electric vehicle is an interesting project. David Ragan reported that the car was within tenths of a second from Cup Series times when he tested at Martinsville. Would you be interested in seeing NASCAR attempt speed records in an electric vehicle?

NASCAR electric vehicle setting speed records amid horsepower debate

I think that there will be fans who hear this news and get excited. There will also be fans who think to themselves, “why not set records in these combustion engines?” Horsepower has been a big topic in recent years with many fans and drivers asking for more and NASCAR refusing to budge.

There has been a reduction in horsepower over the years. Some blame that for the lackluster action on road courses and short tracks in the Next Gen car. With qualifying times slower, lap times slower, and lower horsepower, a focus on speed records with an electric car feels a bit ton deaf, I think.

NASCAR also has an obligation to keep itself open to many options. I am not sure an electric series will ever come to stock car racing. But some kind of hybrid engine? IndyCar is doing that now. IMSA has been doing it. Why not NASCAR?

Purists don’t like to hear it, but stock car racing should reflect the vehicles on the road. Consumer cars. As hybrids and electric vehicles continue to become more standard, NASCAR might have to look to other options themselves to remain relevant.