NASCAR could toy with EV-centric series, hydrogen combustion engines in near future

The NASCAR of the somewhat near future could look much different. 

In an interview with Sports Business Journal, NASCAR EVP John Probst said that the sanctioning body is looking at potentially using its electric vehicle in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, the second-highest level of NASCAR competition, in an effort to "give that division a better brand identity."

NASCAR unveiled its EV prototype in 2024. 

Of course, EVs being used in NASCAR would be quite the change. The sport is known first and foremost for its loud, boisterous cars. NASCAR without ear-splitting noise would be akin to college football games without tailgates. 

But NASCAR, unlike college football and any stick and ball sport, must adjust to the times because of its inherent dependence on the automotive industry. The hype train behind electric vehicles is not at the fever pitch it once was, but in the long-term, EVs must at the very least be on the table for NASCAR. 

Needless to say, even if EVs don't reach the Cup level for half a century, any division of NASCAR going electric would be quite the culture shock for fans. It doesn't seem to be a change that would be looked at very fondly, as evidenced by Jeff Gluck, a NASCAR reporter for The Athletic, saying, "Hopefully if this happens it won’t be anytime soon," in regard to Probst's comments.