Time to welcome in a new era of amateur racing...
As more and more manufacturers enter the hybrid and EV market, while simultaneously participating in motorsports in bodies like Formula E and Extreme E, as well as the new direction of LMDh and endurance series, it's about time we start looking toward the future of the SCCA with hybrids and full electric racing vehicles.
At the request of the SCCA, I'm opening this forum here on ApexSpeed to start the discussion on where formula cars and sports racers are heading as we move into the EV racing world.
:greenflag:
From a Systems Perspective - EV is on the WRONG TRACK
Pun intended.
Energy for recharge Cost effective? Not unless you use nuclear power.Else, virtually every EV charge station is run on - that's right, Fossil Fuel!
Less environmental waste from mining for battery components vs drilling for oil? Nope. The waste frm mining is HUGE.
Fire issue -- previously mentioned. and recall, there is a "Boat Load" of evidence on the bottom of the Atlantic!
The following quote from: https://lemansrace.com/le-mans-news/hydrogen-is-coming-part-1/
At present, the talk is electric, electric, electric, with most major brands committed to replacing part of, or all of, their entire ranges with electric-or part-electric models. But behind the scenes, Hydrogen fuel cell power is another movement and while it is still in arguably in its infancy, the technology behind it is progressing apace.
The methods for creating hydrogen on demand (in the vehicle) have been patented (ironically - one inventor was killed in the shooting in Buffalo, NY 05/14/2022). And, other options using a Hydride Storage System with a heating system are clear possibilities too. Weights and vulnerability (crash, etc) are being, and have been worked.
But, the MANTRA remains; EV! EV! EV! HYBRID! HYBRID! End all Fossil Fuels!
This should really be dealt from a factual standpoint - not one of emotion, or political expediency.
(and, H2 power might not be the solution either). But, US inventors have created generating systems that can electrolyticly convert H2O on demand and run in an I.C. engine. "Water powered" racing. There is an environmental goal to shoot for!
From an emotional standpoint; why has NASCAR made so many changes to "tighten-up" the cars. Fans want excitement. Not ROLLERBALL death and mayhem (just yet - wait a bit for more system collapse), but single car laps are no fun to watch. If they were, wouldn't they be selling tickets to test sessions and the stands would be full? Take away the SOUND of FREEDOM - you'll empty the stands.
So, why doesn't SCCA take it to the illogical extreme?
If you want EV racing be totally correct politically, create a SCCA Solar Challenge - an engineering challenge - but its not racing! Try putting 30 solar powered cars on Sebring and see how quickly you finish a session. (Oh, they could all be SPEC too.) Wouldn't that be the ultimate EV Challenge Cup? Nasty pavement to shatter a delicate chassis, add in overcast and rain to kill the power supply. Fun - NOT.
I'd rather run a Red Bull soapbox derby!
No, this reads like an organization pandering either to real pressure, or perceived necessity. But, it makes little sense.
So What - do we go back to racing in the streets? [From the fire road to the Interstate...]
This madness need to end.
Rant - OUT. Sorry - just got back from MAVERICK - and maybe it bled through...
Hmmmmm, renaming "circuits"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BeerBudgetRacing
While I agree with you, the new track and ButtonWillow with the aforementioned Tesla charging station will have solar panels I believe. I also think ThunderHill recently installed solar as well.
Most paddocks COULD install solar panels and provide shade/shelter doing it. But I doubt that will be enough power to charge a bunch of cars quickly. They may have to qualify at 8am and race at 4pm....
Wonder if this will necessitate a name change? Just struck me as "funny".....Thunderhill gone solar.....how west coast is that? Thunderhill without noise? Somehow just won't seem right . Perhaps as lightening usually comes with thunder, maybe still on track. Of course NJMSP already has 2 "circuits" (another term to struggle over?): Thunder and Lightening.....so guess they are set?
Still adding the forum to Apex offers the chance to explore the future, as much as making lite/light of efforts......without harm or malice towards any? :)
Bob L.