When NASCAR unveiled its all-electric prototype at the Chicago Street Race on July 6, 2024, it wasn’t exactly met with universal applause. The initiative, a crucial part of the sport’s push toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035, was meant to be a bold step forward. But for traditional stock car racing fans, it felt like yet another move away from the sport’s roaring V8 roots.
And now, Chevy’s latest EV prototype has reignited the debate, proving that the conversation around NASCAR’s electric future is far from settled.
Chevy’s All-Electric NASCAR Blazer Hits the Track—Fans Sound Off
Veteran journalist Bob Pockrass recently shared a photo of a blue and white Chevrolet EV prototype, pointing out that it wasn’t a standard stock car but rather Chevrolet’s modified Next Gen electric chassis.
“Chevrolet’s EV NASCAR Blazer prototype that is a modified Next Gen chassis. This will be what it uses in testing anything NASCAR-related when it comes to electric vehicles.” – Bob Pockrass
The Chevy Blazer EV.R is joining the Ford Mustang Mach-E as an OEM prototype in NASCAR’s growing EV program. Unlike traditional stock cars, this electric racer features three six-phase electric motors capable of 15,000 rpm. Team Chevy driver Justin Allgaier has been heavily involved in its development, testing its capabilities under race-pace conditions.
And for Allgaier, the experience has been nothing short of eye-opening.
“I’m used to knowing my speed through gearing and listening to engine revs, so I had to totally change how I judge corner entry speed,” said Allgaier. “With this platform we’re learning how to strategically adjust regenerative braking, which has a big impact on braking sections and cornering balance.”
In other words, driving an EV stock car is an entirely different beast, requiring new strategies, braking techniques, and—perhaps most jarring for fans—absolute silence on the track.
The EV Controversy Hits the Daytona 500—Buckle Up for the Boos
While the Chevy EV Blazer is still in the experimental phase, fans won’t have to wait long to see an electric Chevy on the track. The Chevrolet SS EV has been selected as the official pace car for the Daytona 500—and let’s just say, the reactions haven’t been friendly.
If history is any indicator, expect a wave of boos from the Daytona crowd when the EV pace car leads the field for ‘The Great American Race.’
NASCAR Fans React—And It’s Not Pretty
Since Ford revealed its Mustang Mach-E prototype last month, and now with Chevy stepping up its own EV development, many fans have taken to social media to express their frustration.
🔹 “This ain’t stock car racing anymore. NASCAR is selling out.”
🔹 “EVs in NASCAR? No thanks. We come for the roar of the engines, not a glorified golf cart race.”
🔹 “If they ever replace the Cup Series with this EV nonsense, I’m done.”
Despite the outrage, NASCAR remains committed to an electric future, making it clear that EV technology will be a key part of the sport moving forward.
The Verdict: NASCAR’s EV Future Is Inevitable—But Will Fans Accept It?
With Chevy, Ford, and possibly Toyota leading the charge in NASCAR’s EV evolution, one thing is clear—this isn’t just an experiment anymore. The question is: how long will it take before fans come around, if they ever do?
For now, the V8s still reign supreme—but the gears of change are already in motion. Will NASCAR’s traditionalists get on board, or will the sport face an electrified rebellion?
One thing’s for sure: when that Chevy SS EV pace car rolls out at Daytona, we’re about to find out. 🚨🔥