The all-new battery electric vehicle (BEV) developed by NASCAR – the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing – is the first major US motorsports project to incorporate flax-based composites developed by Swiss lightweighting specialist Bcomp.

The high-performance bodywork uses Bcomp’s ampliTex technical fabrics with powerRibs reinforcements – initially inspired by the vein structure of leaves – to fully exploit the natural advantages of flax fibre.

In April 2023 NASCAR committed to achieving net zero operating emissions by 2035 and set a series of five-year sustainability targets, including sourcing 100% renewable electricity at all of its owned tracks and offices and expanding EV charging infrastructure across the company’s facilities.

Bcomp’s composites offer a sustainable alternative to traditional carbon fibre, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 85% with similar stiffness and improve safety thanks to a breaking behaviour without sharp shattering – a safety aspect that is especially relevant in bumper-to-bumper racing.

“Integrating sustainable innovations into the design process helps set the standard for sustainability across our industry and supports forward progress towards the company’s sustainability goals and targets,” says Brandon Thomas, NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle design.

“This collaboration is Bcomp’s first major US motorsport project and we are excited to demonstrate how racing can pave the way for sustainable innovations with NASCAR,” adds Johann Wacht, key account manager for automotive and motorsports at Bcomp.

www.bcomp.com