EV drag race series for US in 2022

An official drag racing series for electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cars and motorbikes starts on US dragstrips next year.

Sanctioned by drag racing’s governing body the NHRA, the announcement follows four years of talks with carmakers.

The cars and bikes will compete nationwide in the grassroots NHRA-sanctioned Summit Series.

Seattle racer Steve Huff ran a pass nearly a year ago at Tucson Dragway that broke the 200mph (320km/h) barrier for a four-wheel, all-electric dragster.

At the US drag racing nationals last September, Bob Tasca III debuted the new Ford Cobra Jet 1400 and Angelle Sampey set eight-mile and quarter-mile elapsed-time and speed records aboard Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle LiveWire.

The NHRA says it was a natural progression to establish an EV class within the NHRA Summit Series, a bracket-racing-formatted programme that permits drivers in various types of vehicles—dragsters, roadsters, sedans, and coupes—to compete against each other on an equal basis.

There will be four classes: Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and motorcycle.

“We’re ready to support the EV market in the same way we support the internal combustion engine (ICE) market – by leading the way in selection, service, and technical resources,” says Al Noe, sponsor Summit Racing Equipment’s chief marketing officer.

“No matter what the powerplant, we’ll continue to help racers push the limits of power and performance through a huge selection of quality parts from respected brands.”

His colleague, Jim Greenleaf, says Summit Racing Equipment is “excited to help bring EV technology to the track through our longstanding partnership with the NHRA”.

“This is a great opportunity to expand on one of the most successful grassroots sport drag racing programmes in the country.”

The NHRA says the series accelerates its commitment to “racers and partners who are developing forward-thinking technology”.

“The rise in performance of electric street vehicles also means the need for the sanctioning body to provide a safe place to race.”

NHRA president Glen Cromwell says he’s “thrilled” by the new class, because his organisation “is about performance and innovation”.

Rules for the new EV class have yet to be finalised, but the NHRA says it will announce them in time “to give builders and racers ample time to prepare for next season”.