NASCAR legend Roger Penske details unexpected vision for future of sport
The NASCAR legend explained just where he believes the future of the sport lies - and it is an unexpected turn.
NASCAR legend Roger Penske believes the future of the sport lies in hybrid, not electric, engines. Penske explained his rationale after it was revealed the sport could potentially turn to electric cars in 2024.
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"I think the hybrid formula seems to be something that will make a lot of sense as we go forward because we've been seeing electrification kind of slow down here lately," Penske said, per Autoweek. "I think hybrid is more of a bridging strategy to the future."
If NASCAR were to venture to a hybrid model instead of going fully electric, Penske doesn't believe the switch will happen "overnight" and could see other series testing it out first before it is implemented in NASCAR.
"Engine manufacturers of the OEMs are now dealing with our own strategies of trying to develop this EV marketplace, which is slower than expected," Penske added. "We have an issue of the reliability of the charging network, the infrastructure is not there, range anxieties.
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"Remember with Formula E they had to come in and get in another car. If we had to bring two cars to a NASCAR race, I'm not sure that's what we want to do right now if we're trying to look at costs, but I think it's in the future. I think the hybrid version could be very good."
Penske also believes hydrogen cars could have a place in NASCAR with more research. The legend explained he planned to visit Japan to experience just how viable hydrogen racing is and recently tested it in his truck fleet, as he owns Penske Truck Rental.
"We've run some just as test units, but it's going to be a long time before we see that in competition," Penske continued. "I think you're gonna have some modified different engines and you'll have some hybrids that will lean towards sustainability."
Penkse's comments come after the organization was spotted testing electric car concepts, though no date has been announced for when NASCAR will switch from a traditional V-8 engine or even begin an electric racing series. It appears NASCAR reportedly will be showcasing the car to fans as early as 2024.
With NASCAR seemingly impending switch to electric, it remains to be seen how that will be implemented and how it ultimately will impact the sport. Still, Penske believes the future of the sport lies elsewhere, and not what is being reported or reported.
