NASA NP01 Press Release

[SeBeco]

I thought the Apexspeed community may be interested in our press release from last week.

Some of you may know me (Ben Cooper) as SE Composites here on Apexspeed.


National Auto Sport Association Relaunches NP01 Program
Napa Valley, Calif., January 10, 2020 — The National Auto Sport Association is announcing a new partnership with SEBECO Motorsport, which has acquired the NP01 program in its entirety from Élan Motorsports Technologies and, in collaboration with NASA, will resume development and promotion of this groundbreaking prototype racecar.
“When the opportunity presented itself to become involved in the NP01 program, we jumped at the chance,” said Ben Cooper, co-owner of SEBECO Motorsport. “We are looking forward to building on the reputation of this car. We also extend our gratitude to Élan Motorsports Technologies, NASA and HAAS Automobile Imports for working with us to make this happen.”
With sales, design and manufacturing now all under one roof at SEBECO, the cost to compete in an NP01 will be significantly reduced. Having already established itself as one of the least expensive racecars to operate anywhere in the world, this new price reduction will provide a boost to current and future drivers in the program. SEBECO kicked off the 2020 season by jumping right into building upon the strong points that made the NP01 such a great bang-for-the-buck purpose-built racecar.
More information will be coming soon, but look for the 2021 NP01 specification to deliver more power, better aerodynamics with improved grip with a price point slated at less than $69,950 for a complete, assembled car. Combine that with a significant reduction in spare parts pricing, and the future looks bright for this fantastic series. With the 2020 season as a transition period competitors will be able to upgrade their cars once the package has been fully developed. Any new cars sold this year will be entitled to a cost price upgrade for 2021. Look for more information on that soon.
“We’re excited to be able to breathe new life into our NP01 racing program, and SEBECO Motorsport is going to play a pivotal role,” said NASA Vice President Jeremy Croiset. “The NP01 has proven over the last several years to provide competitors with the fastest, most competitive, and enjoyable racing for the money compared with anything currently available in the marketplace today! It is the very reason I own and race one of these cars. With this great new partnership, we look forward to growing the NP01 fields in NASA regions across the country.”
NASA and Élan Motorsports Technologies originally collaborated on the NASA Prototype program, and the result was the safe, affordable and fast NP01, the only closed-cockpit prototype car available anywhere. SEBECO Motorsport is delighted to carry on the program and help develop the car in the years ahead.
Based in Hoschton, Ga., SEBECO Motorsport is co-owned by Ben Cooper and Ed Sullivan, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in motorsports, including Formula 1, IndyCar, MotoAmerica Superbikes and sports car racing.
“We look forward to building these world-class racecars for NASA drivers, and increasing the number of NASA Prototypes on tracks around the country.” Said Ed Sullivan, co-owner of SEBECO.
For more information, visit
https://nasaprototype.com/
https://sebecomotorsport.com/

[Dave Harmison]

Congratulations on the business venture. I wish you all the luck.

Some of the pictures show headlight buckets, but no lamps. It’s obviously up to the race organizers, but do you think they’ll race in the dark? I don’t think I’d buy a car, but I might buy a codrive from someone.

[SeBeco]

Thanks Dave.
Yes, the NP01 is regularly raced in enduros and the 25hr of Thunder Hill. We have chassis 001 in the shop now that has completed the 25hrs a few times. The motor has 140hrs on it and still runs great.
I think you’d really enjoy driving one!

[SeBeco]

Chassis 035 in the shop ready to be built up for a customer. New car builds under $70k.

[marshall9]

Testing available prior to purchase?

[TimH]

Testing available prior to purchase?

According to the NASA website, $500. Can be applied to purchase price.

[SEComposites]

We will be offering a test drive program from our base in Georgia and working on a similar program on the West Coast where there are more cars in action. Pricing for test drives hasn’t been worked out since the takeover but it will be in line with what TimH suggests.