14-year-old Månz Thalin joins inaugural NXT Gen Cup season

Månz Thalin becomes the youngest driver to join the inaugural NXT Gen Cup season in 2023, the world's first fully electric junior touring car championship.

"I am really excited to join the electrified NXT Gen Cup, it's no doubt the future of racing and something that I want to be a part of," said Månz Thalin.

The Swede made his race debut this year in Renault Clio Junior Cup SSK, finishing eighth overall.

"A warm welcome to Månz who represents the next generation of racing drivers that we look forward to educate and provide a solid first foundation for a future career in racing," said Fredrik Lestrup, co-founder of NXT Gen Cup.

Månz Thalin will, along with other soon-to-be revealed young talents, get a first taste of the 100% electric LRT NXT1 race car during a test later this year.

"I'm thrilled ahead of my first drive in the car and it looks really exciting based on what I have seen so far," said Månz Thalin.

"The 2023 will be a huge challenge as I will face drivers with a lot more experience than me. But I have no doubt that it will strengthen me as a driver and open up interesting career options for the future. I can't wait for the racing to start."

NXT Gen Cup will start in 2023 and run alongside the all-electric STCC.

The LRT NXT1 race car is based on the electric MINI Cooper SE road car that has been purpose-built for racing by Lestrup Racing Team, the founders of NXT Gen Cup.

The car features a 30kWh battery with an electric, liquid cooled motor which produces 230hp pending circuit - including push-to-pass functionality. The front-wheel drive cars can run 20-minute races at full pace thanks to comprehensive development by NXT Gen Cup in a wide array of conditions.

Junior drivers can apply interest to take part in the 2023 NXT Gen Cup here.