Red Bull Global Rallycross To Add Electric Racing Class In 2018
Following on the formation of the Formula E Racing Series and the growing success of electric motorcycles in various forms of competition, it appears that Red Bull Global Rallycross will soon be adding an all-electric class of racing.
The new all-electric racing class will reportedly enter into use in 2018, running alongside the two other main classes during race weekends.
“The electric car is one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, and manufacturers across the globe have recognized its immense potential,” stated Red Bull Global Rallycross series CEO Colin Dyne. “We want to embrace this technology by welcoming it into our series as we continue to grow and expand.”
As of yet, no manufacturers or drivers have attached themselves to the series, but that isn’t surprising since the announcement was just made. As it stands, those two “main classes” play host to teams from Ford, Honda, Chevy, VW, and Subaru.
The Verge provides more: “Red Bull Global Rallycross pits modified versions of production cars against each other on temporary tracks that have both asphalt and dirt sections. The races are run in the US and around the world in stadiums, at race tracks, and even at military bases. … The United States Auto Club (USAC), one of the oldest and most prominent sanctioning bodies in American auto racing, will govern the new EV class in conjunction with Red Bull Global Rallycross. It will be the first electric racing competition sanctioned by USAC.”
To get some idea of what’s in store, take a look at the video below, showing a modified, electric, 550 horsepower Peugeot being driven by former rally champion Manfred Stohl.
Yet another sign of the mainstreaming of electric vehicle technologies.
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