NHRA Looks at the Future of Electric Vehicle Drag Racing
The industry’s top sanctioning body addresses the electric evolution, opening the discussion on the future of EVs in drag racing.
Electric powered vehicles are on everyone’s mind right now. This includes the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), a group that is built entirely around the power of the internal combustion engine. And while this is not the first time the NHRA sanctioning body has looked to the future (see the swap from carb to EFI that still has drivers and teams reeling), this represents a very big (potential) leap for the group and its audience.
Recently, the NHRA addressed the state of the union. Drag racing and this level of motorsports has intensive ties to the automotive OEMs. And all of them are vocally and vigorously pivoting their technology to the EV field. If the NHRA wants to retain those ties, it MUST follow suit while still addressing the needs of its fanbase.
EV-powered race vehicles are not new to the NHRA, either. There are guidelines and standards in the rule book, and EVs like the electric COPO Camaro and Cobra Jet Mustang have torn up the strip. But there is a big difference between the occasional EV showing, as demo or competitor, and fully embracing the technology. The organization was founded to celebrate all things fast, and to open drag racing to a broad audience of competitors and spectators. The NHRA wants to stay ahead of that curve by making sure that the EV has a place in its ranks.
To that end, the NHRA will be it hosting a series of open discussions at upcoming races and events to gather OEM auto manufacturers, aftermarket parts suppliers, racecar builders, and companies that specialize in safety and fire suppression, and anyone who can talk about how to move forward with EV racing in a safe and productive manner, addressing the differences in the technologies and what that could mean for all involved.
The first meetings Interested parties who would like to participate in an upcoming discussion regarding EV technology as it relates to NHRA racing should contact Ned Walliser.
Photos: Chevrolet; Ford; NHRA