NASCAR Could Go Hybrid
NASCAR's top series has never been accused of being on the forefront of technology. Hell, the series currently known as Monster Energy Cup used carburetors in its engines until 2012.
Of course, the 'lack of tech' that people see in NASCAR is a surface thing. Yes, they use pushrod V8s and four-speed manuals, but those engines rev to 9000+ rpm, the teams are adept in composites work and research, and the cars are as high tech as the series rules allow. It sounds like they could get higher tech soon.
NASCAR's VP of innovation and racing development, John Probst, recently told TechCrunch that hybrid tech is something the series is considering to add to its next-gen race car after it debuts in 2021.
It makes sense. IndyCar has already announced that it will add hybrid tech to its revised 2022 car. While IndyCar hasn't said it outright, the search for a third engine partner to join Honda and Chevy hasn't been successful. Adding hybrid tech lets the series tell manufacturers about the relevance the formula has to road cars.
It's the same for NASCAR. The current formula is great, but has varying levels of relevance to the participating manufacturers. Chevy is closest, since the Camaro on the road and the Camaro in the series are powered by pushrod V8s. But there isn't a Camry available to purchase with anything resembling a V8 or stick shift. And other manufacturers that might consider NASCAR likely balk at the idea that their cars
Along with the possible hybrids, it wouldn't be a shock to see NASCAR downsize engines in the future too, just like the auto industry. Probst has even mentioned the possibility of downsizing the engines so much that they... no longer exist, replacing them with a fully electric powertrain.
Of course, if the possibility of hybrids are still two years off, then a fully electric NASCAR isn't close. But it just might happen.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsp...uld-go-hybrid/
