Racing Green – next generation of sustainable motorsport

Strategic sustainability project specialists Quimera, the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón (ALMS) will form a joint venture combining their respective areas of expertise in 2012 launching a new global initiative to develop the next generation of sustainable motorsport.

Working strategically, both IMSA and Quimera have immediately begun to define their objective of organizing a global, non-fossil fuel based championship.

Initial steps will be taken to prepare investors, the general public, media, sponsors and other interested parties for motorsport’s impending embrace of clean technology. By 2013 this joint venture will be ready to launch its new international Electric Vehicle (EV) series. This Series will represent the first clean technology professional motorsport championship that will include various categories and also remain open to any OEMs eager to showcase and develop their own green credentials in a cost-controlled environment.

Some initial categories under consideration:

GT
AEGT (525 kW / 700bhp): The world’s first and most powerful all-electric GT racing car has already been designed, built and tested in extreme conditions by Quimera. Powertrain up to 600kW with carbon fiber chassis. Homologation requires no minimum cars to be manufactured while the category will also allow for inventive bodywork design. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.

Touring GT (300kW / 390bhp): Prototypes are currently being constructed by Quimera. This is an open category with all OEMs invited, although multiple single class OEM championships will be considered (discussions taking place). Powertrain up to 350kW with carbon or tubular chassis. Homologation requires no minimum cars to be manufactured. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.

Series organisers are currently negotiating an initiation series to be based on slightly modified road legal cars with a powertrain up to 150kW. This is intended as an OEM showcase for current EV consumer technology and provides a dynamic platform for the introduction to non-fossil fuel-based race series.

F3 type open wheel (300kW / 390bhp): Formulec has spent the past two years designing, developing and testing its EF01, the world’s first 100 percent electric single-seater racing car which will lay the foundation for an open category adhering to rules and regulations. Powertrain up to 350kW with carbon fiber chassis. Complies with all sanctioned safety regulations.

TTXGP motorcycle: The TTXGP World Championship will expand its format to include more classes and different race formats. With unrivalled experience in electric racing, the series already boasts technology, knowledge and an exciting team line-up to provide thrilling competition and an enthusiastic fan base.

via http://www.multivu.com