Autosport International seems to have a had a very successful two days Thursday and Friday, as the show was devoted exclusively to trade visitors. As we move to the weekend the show now transitions to welcoming the general public, part of this process is the removal of the Engineering show. Replacing that with an abundance of rally and rallycross cars from present to past. The rest of the show remains virtually unchanged with the main stage holding talks from people such as; Sir Jackie Stewart OBE, Tom Ingram and Darren Turner.
The adrenaline-packed Live Action Arena allowed fans to watch a 45-minute live spectacular, hosted by the one and only Johnny Herbert. 5 Nations British Rallycross played a big part in helping to headline the Autosport stage at the weekend. Several of the top cars from the 2022 season were on hand to give fans an idea of what the 600hp beasts are capable of as they slid around the arena spitting flames and rubber to the fans delight.
One of the highlights of the show was the EV showcase.
The debate on the future power of motorsport is a fascinating one. Although the focus is on electrification, the merits of synthetic fuel and hydrogen were also showcased.
Motorsport has long been at the forefront of driving forward technology, efficiency and sustainability. In endurance racing, hydrogen fuel cell technology is making impressive progress. Forze Hydrogen Racing, a racing team completely run by students from the Netherlands, is one of the leading teams when it comes to racing on hydrogen. With a team of more than 60 passionate and talented students that changes every year, Forze has now built nine race cars, each one quicker than the last.
Thomas Noordzij, Forze PR & Marketing Manager explains the team’s mission: “Our ultimate goal is to promote hydrogen technology to the general public by showing its potential in motorsports while educating the students at Forze through their work, both in technical and business skills. Ever since our founding in 2007, the team has grown from building hydrogen go-karts to full-size LMP racing cars performing in official competitions, competing against regular petrol-powered race cars. Something as extraordinary as this is only possible with real dedication, which the students at Forze have proven year after year. We’re thrilled to be part of the first Autosport International EV Showcase.”
The rapid refuelling with hydrogen makes electric fuel cell (FCEV) vehicles suitable for long distance races, as they don’t have the long charging times of conventional EVs. However, charging technology is developing rapidly and with the FIA Formula E World Championship introducing quick-charge pitstops, it provides another opportunity for motorsport technology to transfer to everyday road cars.
Proving that EVs are as much about speed as sustainability, Ariel will bring its recently unveiled HIPERCAR to the show. The ultra-high performance electric sports car can propel itself from 0-60mph in just over two seconds and has been designed from the ground up to be the ultimate electric driving machine.
Continuing the battery EV theme, Extreme E will be represented at the show to talk about the sustainability-focussed series and the good work that takes place at each of the environments it visits.
Also positioned on the motorsport ladder is the BRSCC’s Formula Foundation-E, a ground-breaking fully-electric single-seater racing project that has been well over a year in development. The stunning FF-E1 electric race car has been designed, engineered and built in the UK.
Ben Whibley, Autosport International event director, commented: “From hybrid Formula 1 to electric karts, the shift in power in motorsport has been dramatic. The Autosport International EV Showcase will demonstrate the latest innovations and record-breaking vehicles, at the hub of an engineering and technology exhibition that shows the pace of change in the industry.”
The RacerViews info
By Matt Hancock
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