Over the years we’ve seen various organisations embracing projects that has sustainability and racing in its DNA. From prototypes, land speed records and student races to a full-size single seat championship. These projects are not initiated for fun: but to show the world that technology for sustainable mobility is being developed and ready for commercial purposes.
A milestone in electric racing was reached mid-September. The FIA Formula E Championship, a – currently – one make racing series started in Beijing, China. Former Formula 1 stars like Nick Heidfeld and Nelson Piquet jr. took part. Teams rooted in racing, or being on the forefront of EV development, battled against each other. The Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi won the race after Nico Prost, son of former Formula 1 champion Alain Prost, collided with Heidfeld in the last lap.
After years of consideration and preparation, the timing for launching new platforms seems right: to pursuit e-mobility challenges to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
But there is still a long road ahead to prove that electric cars are cool and practical enough for everyday use. Speed records and Formula E are a first step in the right direction to prove that the technology is ready, but it does leave a gap for an endurance challenge with road vehicles.
And that’s what 80 Day Race will cover: a great legendary and sustainable race. Can you imagine circumnavigating between eight cities world wide, covering 40,000 kilometres in just 80 days? That’s already a challenge with your (probably) fossil fuel powered car. So, what about doing this sustainably?
80 Day Race competitors will show that it will be possible to race around the world in vehicles not containing a combustion engine nor using fossil fuels. It would be the ultimate challenge for man and machine. Will the vehicle(s) last? How many days will they need to complete the journey? Will the Captain and Vice-Captain become best friends or not at all?
We will soon know when the competition starts. Fans will be able to follow the participants of this legendary race closely through GPS tracking and daily cross media reports from the teams.
Nobody will miss a thing when another chapter of sustainable racing will be written.
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