Yahoo Autos Formula E announces NXT Gen Cup support series
Formula E will introduce a new junior support series later this year that will support the electric open-wheel championship at all of its European events, as well as at two events on the DTM schedule.
The NXT Gen Cup, which is open to drivers aged 15-25, began last year (pictured above) as a support series for the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, but will venture out across Europe this year as Formula E’s first support series since the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, which ran from 2018-20.
“We are delighted to welcome the NXT Gen Cup after their hugely successful debut last year,” said Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer of Formula E. “The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the essential nurturing of young talent, a key part to our sport and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams.”
The NXT Gen Cup utilizes a Mini Cooper SE-based car, dubbed the LRT NXT1, which weighs 1150kg, is powered by a 30kWh battery and 800 V system, and has the equivalent of 180hp, plus an additional 60hp from a push-to-pass system. The format for the championship will feature a pair of 20-minute practice sessions (except for in Monaco where there will only be one), a 20-minute qualifying session, and a 20-minute race.
“For NXT Gen Cup to go from an idea on paper less than two years ago to racing together with the ABB FIA Formula E and DTM this year is mind-boggling and an inspiring proof of the hard work by everyone involved,” said NXT Gen Cup founder Fredrik Lestrup.
“We have together with Formula E and DTM created a spectacular calendar which will provide our junior drivers with a robust foundation to start their racing careers and show their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world.”
2024 NXT Gen Cup calendar (subject to FIA approval)
April 13-14, Misano, Italy, w/ ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
April 27, Monaco, w/ ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
May 11-12, Berlin, Germany, w/ ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
July 5-7, Norisring, Germany, w/ DTM
July 20-21, London, UK, w/ ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
October 18-20, Hockenheim, Germany, w/ DTM
