Photo: YouTube screenshot
The assault mounted by electric propulsion on motorsport as we know it continues. After the Formula E and the Electric GT series, it looks like battery-powered cars are making their way into rallycross events as well.
Some people's worst nightmare seems to be about to happen: wearing ear mufflers while watching motorsport will cease to be a necessity as race cars will zip by in almost complete silence, with most of the sound made by the surface contact with the tires.
Those who have attended a racing event in their lives will have no problem understanding these people. Being in the middle of the Monza track and hearing the Formula One cars go round is a unique experience that can raise the hairs on your back faster than an electric shock. Sound is an integral part of the experience, as is the smell of hot tires and burnt fuel.
However, tomorrow's competitions are panning out to be a lot more clinical than that. The introduction of electric powertrains means one of the spectators' senses will have to readjust completely, and it looks like there won't be any way around it. It's happening - not today, not tomorrow, but one day.
The latest electric incursion into the world of motorsport is the announcement made by Red Bull Global Rallycross, which said that an all-electric class would be introduced alongside the two main classes starting 2018.
It will be interesting to see how this one pans out, especially since there isn't an awful lot of information at the moment. There is no word on any teams or drivers joining the series, but with the way things are developing in the automotive world, we doubt the new class will lack contenders.
As it is now, the Red Bull Global Rallycross races modified versions of production cars on makeshift tracks that include both asphalt and dirt sections. If you've watched the new Top Gear series and its new track, then you'll get a pretty good idea of what to expect.
“The electric car is one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, and manufacturers across the globe have recognized its immense potential,” series CEO Colin Dyne said in a statement, quoted by The Verge. “We want to embrace this technology by welcoming it into our series as we continue to grow and expand.”
Those who have attended a racing event in their lives will have no problem understanding these people. Being in the middle of the Monza track and hearing the Formula One cars go round is a unique experience that can raise the hairs on your back faster than an electric shock. Sound is an integral part of the experience, as is the smell of hot tires and burnt fuel.
However, tomorrow's competitions are panning out to be a lot more clinical than that. The introduction of electric powertrains means one of the spectators' senses will have to readjust completely, and it looks like there won't be any way around it. It's happening - not today, not tomorrow, but one day.
The latest electric incursion into the world of motorsport is the announcement made by Red Bull Global Rallycross, which said that an all-electric class would be introduced alongside the two main classes starting 2018.
It will be interesting to see how this one pans out, especially since there isn't an awful lot of information at the moment. There is no word on any teams or drivers joining the series, but with the way things are developing in the automotive world, we doubt the new class will lack contenders.
As it is now, the Red Bull Global Rallycross races modified versions of production cars on makeshift tracks that include both asphalt and dirt sections. If you've watched the new Top Gear series and its new track, then you'll get a pretty good idea of what to expect.
“The electric car is one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, and manufacturers across the globe have recognized its immense potential,” series CEO Colin Dyne said in a statement, quoted by The Verge. “We want to embrace this technology by welcoming it into our series as we continue to grow and expand.”
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