Yahoo Autos Corvette Clubs Ban C8 E-Rays From Competition
The National Council of Corvette Clubs has made a major change to its competition rules, banning all EV and hybrid cars from sanctioned competition. That means the E-Ray, a new high-performance hybrid that uses a 1.9-KwH battery pack to greatly improve performance under acceleration, is effectively banned from appearing on track in events sanctioned by the group.
The ban on the electrified C8 and other battery-assisted cars was found by Corvette Forum, which notes that the relevant update to the organization's rule book also requires battery-assisted cars to be parked 30 feet from buildings and other vehicles. While the NCCC has not given a specific reason for the ban, Corvette Forum speculates that it could be related to existing concerns by tracks like Summit Point Raceway about fires involving lithium ion batteries. Those fires are much harder to put out, and an ideal track response to such fires would involve both specialized training and equipment that most venues have not yet invested in.
The NCCC hosts a wide variety of autocrosses, time trials, and other competition events for Corvette owners. Electrification has not been an issue at these events in the past because Chevrolet never actually built an electrified Corvette, but the E-Ray's introduction of lithium ion batteries into the world of Corvettes creates a potential safety issue moving forward. The NCCC did not immediately respond to a request to provide comment on why the new rule was instituted.
Via the Drive.
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