Formula E unveils NXT Gen Cup Touring Series, based on electric Mini Cooper SE's
Formula E announced the unveiling of a new developmental support series that will be run this season in 2024, set to feature the “LRT NXT1—a 1150kg machine based on an electric MINI Cooper SE road car,” the NXT Gen Cup.
The NXT Gen Cup will provide up-and-coming male and female drivers the chance to develop themselves in their motorsports careers in what will be the first ever 100% electric junior touring car series, according to a press release from the series.
The inaugural supporting season will kick off in conjunction with Formula E’s latter half of the season, beginning the 2024 campaign at the Misano circuit (April 13 and 14) before hitting the track at the famous Monaco street circuit (April 27).
The series will also see two stops in Germany (Berlin and Norisring) and a stop in London before returning back to Germany for the series finale in Hockenheim.
While it has yet to be announced as to who we could be seeing competing in the series as far as drivers and team pairings, the partnership for this additional series adds to the future that has been built by Formula E in electric-based racing.
“We are delighted to welcome the NXT Gen Cup after their hugely successful debut last year,” says Formula E Co-Founder and CCO, Alberto Long. “The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the essential nurturing of young talent, a key part of our sport, and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams.”
Long added, "For the NXT Gen Cup to go from an idea on paper less than two years ago to racing together with the ABB FIA Formula E and DTM this year is mind-boggling and an inspiring proof of the hard work by everyone involved. We have, together with Formula E and DTM, created a spectacular calendar that will provide our junior drivers with a robust foundation to start their racing careers and show their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world.”
In terms of the layout of race weekends for the new support series, there will be two 20-minute practice sessions, a 20-minute qualifying session, and one 20-minute timed race to culminate what should be an exciting opportunity-filled series.