The International Motorsports Association and multinational sustainability conglomerate Quimera have announced plans to launch a fossil-fuel-free racing series in 2013.
Quimera, which develops electric vehicle and urban energy projects around the world, is working with IMSA’s American Le Mans Series to organize sponsors, investors, and participants for a multicategory international Electric Vehicle Series.
“For Quimera, this project is not simply confined to developing environmentally friendly cars that will offer an insight into the future of motorsport,” said Quimera Chairman Javier de Rocafort in a press release. “It also concerns encouraging the dramatic shift soon to occur in the way the industry has operated up until now.
“Our partnership with IMSA and the American Le Mans Series allows us to investigate and better understand the potential applications of these new technologies in the toughest possible environment.
ALMS is perfectly positioned as a partner for the new EV races. In 2006, the series, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency developed the Michelin Green-X Challenge, a race-within-a-race to go the farthest and fastest with the least environmental impact. The Green-X Challenge has been adopted by the Automobile Club de l'Oueste, which operates the Le Mans 24 Hours.
“We have often quoted the fact that the most important race in the world is the race among automobile manufacturers to develop new sustainable transportation solutions,” said Scott Atherton, CEO and president of ALMS, CEO and the Ranoz Motor Sports Group. “Our alliance with Quimera is the embodiment of that race. It enables us to continue our leadership in green racing and truly takes us to the next level.
“We have been actively seeking a practical and viable opportunity to develop EV motorsport and we believe Quimera’s technologies and plans are absolutely on target. As the global leader of Green Racing, the opportunity to link these events to our American Le Mans Series weekends provides an ideal fit for all involved.”
Three categories of competition are envisioned: GT, Touring, and Formula 3. As many manufacturers already producing all-electric and hybrid cars, EV is negotiating rules for a modified production car class as well, to give car companies a place to race their latest designs.
Quimera’s all-electric AEGT sets the standard for the new GT class. With a carbon-fiber chassis, 700 bhp, 1000lb-ft of torque, and a top speed of 185 mph, this car, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show Sept. 15–17, has performance equivalent with traditional gasoline-powered cars.
The TTXGP World Championship electric motorcycle series will also serve as a support series for EV events. This 3-year-old series already has international championship events.
ALMS will host exhibitions of Quimera’s AEGT All-Electric GT at selected 2012 events, and EV Series races will probably run as an ALMS support series initially.
