The era of hybrid and electric vehicles seems to leave no choice for the romantics who still delight in the roar of engines and the smell of gasoline on the world’s main road courses, where motor racing competitions take place.
This is reflected in a recent study published by Morning Consult, which indicates that racing fans are inclined towards the use of electric technology in the main categories of motorsport.
Among one of the outstanding figures that the survey yielded, is that fans would be willing to buy a fully electric vehicle within the next 10 years. 43% of those consulted indicated that they would consider opting for an EV, while 55% are still not convinced.
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15% of motorsport enthusiasts said they already use an electric or hybrid car. Likewise, 1 out of 4 loyal fans revealed they own an electric vehicle, according to Morning Consult.
Conservatives Vs Innovators
In statements collected by Morning Consult from GMR Marketing’s director of clients, Alex Beer, he points out that while it is true that some traditionalists within the motorsports fan base see electric vehicles as a threat to the discipline they know and love, most are fascinated with the latest automotive developments.
“A car fanatic is a car fanatic – they know more statistically about vehicle makes, models, what’s new, what’s talked about or rumored than the general public,” Beer said.
“I’m sure there will be a part of that fan base that doesn’t want to see change or may be resistant to change, but most people are interested in great cars and, more importantly, great technology.”
Regarding the values of environmental protection and the impact of climate change on humanity, which are one of the objectives of the development of these electrical categories, 39% said they were “very concerned” and 33% expressed being “somewhat worried “. For their part, 62% of fans “to death” of motor sports, said they felt “very concerned” about climate change, and another 21% identified themselves as “somewhat concerned”.
Promising future
Rob Johnston, Ford Motor Co. performance division marketing manager, said Morning Consult’s findings on fan receptivity to electrification are “very encouraging because it means that where we are putting our plans is right.”
In late 2020, Ford began selling the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, a new all-electric crossover SUV that represents the first extension of the Mustang brand beyond its iconic muscle car in more than 50 years.
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Ford, which has used motorsports as a platform to promote the new vehicle, is one of three OEMs serving NASCAR teams, along with General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet and Toyota Motor Corp.
During the summer of 2020, Ford introduced two one-of-a-kind high-performance electric vehicles manufactured exclusively for research and demonstration purposes over the past several years: the Mustang Mach-E 1400 and the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400.
Since then, the company has used the two upgraded vehicles to show fans what its EV technology is capable of by putting high-profile NASCAR and NHRA drivers behind the wheel.
The Morning Consult survey was conducted from March 30 to April 2 in the United States with 2,200 people. The study has a margin of error of two percentage points.
Written by I Jhonattan González
