By now we’re all aware of the instant torque and acceleration capabilities of electric vehicle technology. In fact, electrification seems to be the best option for performance cars nowadays with companies such as Rimac, Pininfarina and, more recently, Lotus all creating their own all-electric hypercars.

Even the more sedate saloon cars like the Tesla Model S have ludicrous power and torque figures making for incredible 0-60mph sprint times. It will come as no surprise to know that electric cars are dominating the world’s drag strips during public events – and this is something many people are rather upset about.

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The drag strip was always supposed to be the home of the loud, V8-powered, fuel guzzling muscle car loved and adored by so many in the States. There are even production spec cars designed purely to set the fastest ¼-mile time possible such as the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon. However, all this new tech is seemingly putting the hardcore, 717hp car in its place.

Today, cars like the Model S and even the Model X SUV have the ability of thrashing the Demon on the drag strip – and people are very unhappy about it. In fact, according to Teslarati, one particular track, the Texas Motor Speeway has banned electric vehicles from competing in its Universal Technical Institute Friday Night Drags public event.

When asked about the ban by the EV enthusiast website, the track’s Vice President of Public Relations said, “The reason for the exclusion is, in the event of a crash and possible resulting fire, our emergency vehicles currently do not carry the specific equipment required to suppress EV fires. As I’m sure you’re aware, conventional extinguishers are of no use in fighting lithium-ion battery fires.”

This is a very good reason for the track putting the ban in place, although it’s said that electric vehicles are eight times less likely to catch fire than cars powered by combustion engines. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association has said that on average, an EV catches fire every 19 million miles travelled.

Until the track organisers perform the simple act of putting electrical fire extinguishers on site, the reign of the V8 will continue. It seems like the track is covering up the fact that it prefers to see the burning of vast amounts of fossil fuels carry cars up the ¼ mile rather than electricity.