Updated regulations from the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) mean that the newly-registered Chevy Corvette E-Ray model will be unable to participate in track events.
Changes made for 2022-2023 have banned the use of electric and hybrid vehicles from participating in events hosted by the NCCC. As if that wasn’t punishment enough for new Corvette E-Ray owners, the NCCC says all-electric and hybrid vehicles with lithium-type battery packs must be parked at least 30 feet away from structures and other vehicles at events.
While the NCCC hasn’t revealed why it is implementing these changes, it is likely due to concerns about fires and comes shortly after Summit Point Motorsports Park implemented a similar EV/hybrid ban. In that case, the track cited safety concerns as the reason for the rule.
“Summit Point Motorsports Park’s decision to take a “tactical pause” in halting the use of electric and hybrid electric vehicles in all motorsports disciplines at our location is purely based on ensuring we establish an EMS response policy and procedure based on technical knowledge provided by the electric and hybrid electric vehicle industry community to better support the motorsports community,” director of Motorsports Operations at the track, Edwin Pardue told Grassroots Motorsports.
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While EVs and hybrid vehicles aren’t necessarily at a higher risk of catching fire than traditional combustion-powered vehicles, extinguishing an EV/hybrid that has caught fire does require a different approach. Furthermore, vehicles with battery packs present a great risk of electric shock to emergency responders in the event of an incident.
The statement from Summit Point Motorsports Park suggests that it will scrap the ban once it has established EMS procedures to follow in the event of a crash or fire of an EV/hybrid. It’s possible that the National Council of Corvette Clubs will also follow suit.
