USA Today via Reuters
Aug 20, 2023; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric (2) leads a group of cars during the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 20, 2023; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric (2) leads a group of cars during the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR has been known for its flexible outlook in terms of racing with new technology-oriented cars. And, one of the major changes that the stock car racing organization is looking at is bringing in hybrid models. Despite some fans’ uproar against the electrification plans, NASCAR has indicated how it plans to move toward a more environmentally friendly future. While the idea has been in discussions for a long time now, the community has yet to see something concrete. However, a recent tweet by motorsports journalist Adam Stern revealed how Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are working towards a better understanding of what would work best for NASCAR.
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NASCAR OEM plans for the future
Amidst the emergence of hybrid cars, one of NASCAR’s OEMs Toyota is reportedly discussing what measures are to be taken for the future. However, what is evidently clear is that all three OEMs, namely, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, are on the same team in this decisive turn.
Toyota executive Paul Doleshal said, “(The three OEMs are) going to do a lot of testing with different powertrain platforms to just understand what’s the best viable thing moving forward.” He also mentioned that the fans’ entertainment remains at the top of the priority list and it is not going to get altered. The manufacturers are indeed planning something big at this point, it seems.
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As hybrid car sales rise, @Toyota exec @PaulDoleshal said that NASCAR’s three OEMs are “going to do a lot of testing with different powertrain platforms to just understand what’s the best viable thing moving forward,” but that they understand that entertaining fans is paramount. pic.twitter.com/pTYsfMdGVK
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 17, 2024
However, hybridization is not the only direction NASCAR is looking at. Recently, another conversation cropped up in the community regarding the inclusion of a fourth OEM.
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Talks ongoing about a fourth OEM?
After their successful ventures in series like F1, Honda might be on the cards as fourth OEM in NASCAR, and authorities did not entirely rule out the possibilities regarding this. NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell welcomed the idea of diversification of manufacturers to gain more popularity and interest among fans. He also revealed how other OEMs have been extremely supportive and cooperative in this move.
“The great thing is you talk about our current partners, they’ve been tremendous not only with current technology in the car but being very open to new technology whether it be a different engine architecture or what we race, so those discussions are always forward-thinking,” said O’Donnell. He added, “Our current partners are very open to new OEMs coming in and open to having conversations about that possibility.”
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As the advancement progresses to the next stage, we will have the clear picture. At the present time, we can only wait to see if authorities, along with the OEMs undertake revolutionary steps.
Written by
Edited by
Ariva Debnath