Hybrid Wars Come to NASCAR

The Ford Fusion Hybrid was supposed to be NASCAR’s first hybrid pace car back in November, but after the race began the Ford Fusion Sport took over. Now, Toyota has announced that the Camry Hybrid will become the first hybrid to serve a race through the finish line in the May 24 Coca-Cola 600.

Is it slightly bizarre that dueling hybrids can be found in a motorsport where the sole purpose is to burn through as much gasoline as possible to rack up a win? Sure, but welcome to the new order of things.

Some have seen Toyota’s move as a slight tweak to Ford. The two companies have been competitive before on issues like whether or not the Fusion Hybrid is the most efficient midsize “car,” or the amount of cargo room in the Sequoia versus the Expedition.

On the bright side, at least a hybrid battle could have some nice consequences for consumers.

Dueling Hybrid Pace Cars (Wheels)

Comments

I can't think of many hybrid owners, or potential owners, that watch NASCAR. Why waste the money in promoting the Hybrids?

"Is it slightly bizarre that dueling hybrids can be found in a motorsport where the sole purpose is to burn through as much gasoline as possible to rack up a win?"

If you knew anything about motorsports you would know that this statement is untrue. Teams try to wring as much mileage out of their fuel as possible to avoid having to pit. Fuel management is a major strategy in racing.