What you need to know about Electric GT racing

Would you watch Tesla’s race?

When you think of electric racing, Formula E is typically the series that comes to mind. Outside of the electric motorsport community there isn’t a lot of knowledge about Electric GT racing. To be quite fair we are just starting to look into it.

For those that are just beginning to hear about the planned series, here’s what you need to know. Its real and gaining real traction with the right people in motorsport. The new championship will further test the capabilities of electric racing. The series is currently going through a process to be part of the FIA (they actually just passed an FIA crash test). This will give them with a good reputation as a new racing series.

The series will run using the Tesla Model S P100D only. That means each team will use the same car. This specific Model S is modified to carry 500kg less than the original and it will reach 0-60mph in a speedy 2.1 seconds. Race brakes, Pirelli tires, and a new suspension combine to make this a complete track beast.

A track test at Circuit Paul Ricard in France — (Image: Electric GT Media)

The car has been tested by some proven talent. Formula E champion and Audi driver, Lucas Di Grassi was able to test the GT car and was quite impressed. The quote below came from and interview done with Autosport.

Di Grassi “can guarantee the new car with its properties will be as quick as a GT3 car” and reckons it will have a similar power-to-weight ratio to LMP2 cars. — Autosport

As far as format goes the championship has slotted ten team openings with two drivers on each team. The current lineup of drivers consists of female and male participants. As of right now, only one team has been officially announced; SPV Racing.

Formula E champ, Lucas Di Grassi during his testing of the GT car — (Image: Electric GT)

The calendar was set for a late 2017 launch but was pushed back because of FIA testing and approval. Its currently set for a mid 2018 start. The original calendar would have been this:

Circuit Paul Ricard, France — November 25/26 (Double header) Portugal — March Italy — April Nurburgring, Germany — May Belgium — June Netherlands — July Silverstone, United Kingdom — September Spain — October

The dates were to be finalized over a few months. Regardless of the delay, these are some pretty neat locations for the first year of a series. Within each of those locations would be the events themselves. An electric GT race weekend would be a one day event that has two races with a qualifying and practice session. The other neat thing is the races will be on full circuits, not street circuits. However, this shortens the race length to around 15 or 16 laps.

Nice side angle, a race spec Tesla isn’t that bad — (Image: Electric GT Media)

The weekend is also said to be a celebration of technology, sustainability, an innovations and marks the beginning of ‘The Age of Light’. To be honest ‘The Age of Light’ sounds like some cult from a hit crime drama on TV but the thought is what counts.

Overall this series is looking to be something special. With electric GT cars already pushing limits of speed, the future looks bright. Perhaps we could also see some multi class all electric series as well. Not to mention, the series also have some support races which include a karting championship and esports. Also check out this video showing some cornering speed of the GT car.

Let us know if you think this is pretty damn cool as well.

By: Andrew Miles