Since its debut at the Chicago Street Course last year, the ABB #35 NASCAR Electric Vehicle prototype has been piloted by former Cup Series driver David Ragan for the longest period of time. Since he thinks the EV will eventually make its competitive debut, Ragan has now opened up to discuss his thoughts on the future of this vehicle. The driver also described how the association’s goal has always been to stay abreast of customer changes. Since the car’s debut in Chicago, the former Roush-Fenway Keselowski Racing driver has driven the unique stock car during several Martinsville Speedway testing sessions. He even made an appearance at this year’s Daytona 500. Regarding when he believes the EV will get a chance to compete, the driver shared his personal views.
“They didn’t say it in public. I drive for NASCAR; I’m not a representative for the organization. I believe that they wouldn’t be spending the money and time for enjoyment, but that’s just my personal perspective. There isn’t a deadline. “NASCAR has always been about whatever is selling to the consumer,” he added, adding that they haven’t disclosed a goal date. “They want to sanction those races and race that on the weekends. And I believe it will only be a matter of time until you see it on the track as more and more North American consumers adopt an EV culture. They haven’t made it public, and I’m not sure whether there is a schedule, but it’s occurring everywhere. So it’ll eventually happen here in North America,” Ragan added [via Autoweek].
ABB, a Swedish-Swiss electrical technology corporation, is the title sponsor of the Formula E championship and has teamed up with the American stock car racing sport to construct their first electric vehicle prototype. “Never say ‘never’”: NASCAR Executive Discusses Future EV Competition The #35 ABB Prototype was first introduced by NASCAR in July of last year, signaling the start of the sport’s transition to electric cars. This made some wonder if the current Truck Series, Xfinity, and Cup might be joined by an electric series. At the time, John Probst, chief racing development officer and senior vice president of the stock car racing association, left his answer open-ended. “An electric series is not currently planned,” Probst stated. However, I shall also say I learned a long time ago you never say ‘never’ or ‘always,’ so that’s a good life lesson.” [via NASCAR]. For now, this weekend, the cup, xfinity, and Truck Series are heading to the Texas Motor Speedway for the next races in their respective calendars.
