Should NASCAR consider hybrid technology?

By Mike Smith (contact)

Wednesday, June 25, 2008 | 8:27 p.m.

Will the roar of a race car engine soon be replaced by a hum? A recent Wall Street Journal story revealed that BMW plans to develop a hybrid Formula One race car that will see action on the track next season. In addition to the environmental advantage, this technology is expected to boost performance of the Formula One car, creating an extra 80 horsepower.

Naturally, the obvious question is should NASCAR move in the same direction? Yes, eventually. It would be a good idea to see how well the technology works in Formula One to determine if it is a viable option for stock-car racing.

But before you start having scary thoughts of rear-winged Toyota Priuses humming around the high banks of Daytona, consider that a hybrid stock car probably wouldn’t look any different than the current car. And, of course, it would have to sound like a real race car to be taken seriously by the fans. The fans of this sport have had to endure enough changes over the past several seasons and a new car that would radically depart from what is currently used could be too much for fans to accept.

Energy and environmental realities are forcing automotive technology to evolve and it seems silly to think that race car technology shouldn’t evolve also. If hybrid technology can boost efficiency and performance and can be used in racing in a way that’s cost effective, then why shouldn’t NASCAR examine the possibility of using new technology?

It’s amazing to think that in the age of fuel injection and overhead cam engines NASCAR is still using carburetors and pushrod engine designs. I understand that it’s necessary to control technology to prevent electronic cheating and to hold down costs. But if hybrid technology ends up working for Formula One, then NASCAR will have to stand up and take notice.

Besides, I’d love to see the look on the face of one of my tree-hugging, Prius-driving, anti-NASCAR friends when they realize that Sprint Cup cars are hybrid.

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