Opinion – EV’s at Drag Tracks Aren’t a Great Idea (Yet)

While it has been a number of years since I have been to a Montana dragstrip track, and even more since I was actually in the pits with a car, I know safety has always been a priority when lining up to the tree.

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With the advancement in motor vehicles, especially when it comes to modern cars with insane amounts of horsepower and ability, the rise of electric vehicles at tracks has also happened.  Perhaps not so much in Montana, but larger areas are seeing more and more show up to test their "run what you brung" EV's.

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Opinion - EV"s at Drag Tracks Aren't a Great Idea (Yet)

A new announcement at a popular national track in Florida really got me thinking about Montana drag racing.  The Orlando Speedworld Dragway will no longer be allowing full EV's to race.  Or even come to the facility for test and tune runs.

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In the public statement by the facility, they stated that "after careful consideration and research, we have determined that the risk of racing and testing electric vehicles are too high".  That statement alone had me wondering about how an emergency at a local state track might be bad.

The Sky Isn't Falling, But These Are Some Pretty Good Reasons to Evaluate Locally

No, I'm not jumping on a "ban EV's at the track" mantra, but the speedway did give several reasons as to why the immediate ban was warranted.  Some of those reasons seem pretty valid to a fan of the sport, and even as a small-time former racer:

• The battery may release toxic and flammable gas after an on-track collision
• First responders may not be able to confirm that the ignition is fully “off”
• The doors may not unlock from the outside following an on-track collision
• If the driver is unconscious following an on-track incident, whether by collision or with a personal medical problem, there is a chance that the chassis may continue to be live. Therefore, removing the driver could put a responder at risk

Those seem like reasonable citations to not allow a vehicle down the track.  But even more troubling in my eyes is the possibility of fire:

• Electric vehicles require specific fire suppression systems such as water baths

Let me restate, it has been some time since I was at a race, especially at some of the larger/newer facilities like Yellowstone.  But would say Lewistown Raceway be able to handle an EV fire accident?  What are your thoughts on EV's on Montana dragstrips?  Yes or no?