Reshared post from +David Fuchs
Big-Name Drivers Flock to the First Fully Electric Racing Series
Former F1 hotshoes Jarno Trulli and Nick Heidfeld are the latest big-name drivers to sign on for the all-electric Formula E series that kicks off later this year.
The two aces bring the total up to 40 drivers competing this season, which opens September 13 in Beijing. The depth of talent underscores just how seriously the drivers, and the 10 teams competing in Formula E, are taking the series and the effort the FIA is putting into making it succeed.
“Formula E is a really exciting project and a really big innovation in motor racing,” says Sebastien Bourdais, who has competed in Champ Car, F1 and Le Mans. “You don’t get to be a part of such technological advances very often in a career.”
What about combining the two, and having a race with electric stock cars? Presumably the car companies would have incentive to get behind this to promote their brands, and the need to create stock cars that could compete in a race would also result in innovation. Perhaps it might not fly in oil centers such as Houston or North Dakota, but other parts of the country may be interested.
I think that would be cool — but I suspect the reaction in most quarters would be, "Sure, and they'll probably sell tofu-and-watercress sandwiches and herbal tea to the spectators!"
Unless Budweiser comes up with a new brand called Budweiser Electric.
Perfect!
(Shudders)
Whats the Problem with F1 in the US? Is it ‘Not Made Here’. I’ve watched NASCAR and it looks like a very fast commute on the motorway/freeway. I know F1 has its problems, but at least it isn’t an oval.
Actually my prefered motor sport is bikes. I’m not a bike (though I’ve had a number of biker friends) but its much more exciting that 4 wheels, because the track is effectively so much wider. Watching 2 riders duel through the corners, knees to the tarmac is amazing