The roar of V8 engines has defined NASCAR for decades. But with electric vehicles taking over America’s roads, even stock car racing faces an uncertain future.

One veteran driver who’s experienced both worlds has a blunt message for the sport: get ready for change, whether you like it or not.

What Does David Ragan’s EV Prediction Say About NASCAR’s Future?

NASCAR unveiled the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype earlier this month at the Chicago Street Course, and the vehicle ran hot laps at Sonoma Raceway last weekend.

NASCAR’s first-of-its-kind electric vehicle showcase on the streets of Chicago. https://t.co/NQ2r3N1ayC pic.twitter.com/qoxq6OtUA2

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) July 6, 2025

While no official plans for an all-electric NASCAR series have been announced, the existence of stock car EV prototypes signals a step toward that possibility. However, not all NASCAR fans are keen on that idea, as social media reaction suggests.

Currently, there are three NASCAR EV prototypes. The one mentioned above was made in collaboration with ABB, a global clean energy and automation leader. Ford and Chevy helped NASCAR build the other two, and all three took to the 2.2-mile Grant Park 165 street course for their first joint live exhibition laps on July 6.

This historic event drew backlash on social media from diehard fans who oppose NASCAR’s electric ambitions. The resistance was swift and vocal, showing just how divided the fanbase remains on this issue.

David Ragan is also a fan of classic NASCAR, but the former Cup Series driver understands the demands of a changing world. He has raced in the Cup Series for nearly one and a half decades, and in recent times, he has been driving the ABB stock car.

Ragan has been quite impressed driving the car and claims that the EV outperforms any traditional car he has previously driven. His firsthand experience gives weight to his perspective on what’s coming.

“(The EV) blows away any internal combustion engine car that I’ve driven,” he said. “We’re all creatures of habit, and sometimes we are afraid, as a society, of change,” he continued.

Spoke to David Ragan about the NASCAR Ford Mustang Mach-E Prototype EV Stock Car after his run yesterday. This is Ford’s answer to the NASCAR-style prototype EV stock car.

Ragan says the car is a little heavier which lowers the mid-corner speed and the aerodynamics are much… https://t.co/eX9Z5DpESh pic.twitter.com/EOH4VylKG1

— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) May 19, 2025

Ragan believes that NASCAR can host a separate EV-dedicated series as electric vehicles become more mainstream in the North American market. His vision doesn’t involve replacing traditional racing but rather expanding the sport’s reach. He spoke more about this vision before last week’s Sonoma race.

“This EV is not replacing the race car that’s going to take the green flag at Sonoma this weekend. But I think this can be a complement to motor sports in general in North America.”

He continued, “As the sales of EVs in North America continue to grow, I think NASCAR needs to be prepared to look at that as an option for a series down the road. I don’t know when that may be. It may be five years down the road, it may be 15 years down the road, but our world is always changing.”

How Is NASCAR Balancing Tradition With Environmental Goals?

NASCAR was quick to reaffirm its commitment to combustion engines as soon as the new EV prototype was announced. The organization clearly understands the sensitivity of its core fan base regarding this topic.

There hasn’t been any official word on an EV series yet, but NASCAR director of vehicle systems CJ Tobin says the EV prototypes are a “conversation starter.” This approach suggests NASCAR is testing the waters rather than making any immediate commitments.

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The organization wants to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2035, and going electric will be a big step toward that goal. But it won’t be an easy challenge, as old-school NASCAR fans still crave the roar of combustion engines.

This tension between environmental responsibility and traditional motorsport culture represents one of the biggest challenges NASCAR faces moving forward. The sport must honor its heritage and adapt to a changing world.