NXT Gen Cup drivers joins STCC Try Out

The top four NXT Gen Cup drivers got to join the 2023 STCC Try Out at Ljungbyhed in Sweden and test the 550hp all-electric prototype PWR002 - a car technically identical to the race cars which will debut in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship next year.

“One of our core pillars is that there must be a clear career ladder after NXT Gen Cup and that the winners shall get the opportunity to try the next step. I am glad that we have achieved just that with together with the STCC in the 2023 Try Out and that our drivers really showed maturity and speed during the test,” said Fredrik Lestrup, NXT Gen Cup founder.

Reigning champion Elias Adestam, who got financial support for the 2024 STCC season as prize for his NXT Gen Cup title, was first to test the PWR002.

“Driving this new STCC beast has been an incredible experience. It’s instant torque; all the power is available as soon as you press the throttle. It’s very rear-happy, but at the same time it’s surprisingly drivable. I was able to push it to the limit without really worrying about going off, which is quite rare in a racing car. I think the STCC have struck a formula here that will really promote some entertaining racing,” said Elias Adestam.

“This is an exciting time in my career and we’re working hard to make the next step. I really want to thank NXT Gen Cup and the STCC for making this test happen and creating these opportunities. I have some firepower now and having a career in touring car and GT racing is certainly something I’d like to explore in more detail, both here and abroad.”

Linus Granfors, who finished as runner-up just three points behind Elias Adestam, praised the experience as well.

“There is so much power in this car! It was really special when you hit the throttle out of the pits and got pushed back in the seat, a lot of fun! The car has got normal street tyres, so there is a lot of sliding but still surprisingly well balanced. Ljungbyhed was a perfect track to test at as well and a big thanks to STCC and NXT Gen Cup for a great day,” said Linus Granfors.

American racer Ellis Spiezia, who finished third overall in NXT Gen Cup, has driven plenty of different electric race cars and enjoyed his run during the STCC Try Out.

“It’s really fun! To jump into something which is rear-wheel drive and 550hp is pretty incredible. I’m really happy that I got the opportunity, being in the top three of NXT Gen Cup and see what the next step is like,” said Ellis Spiezia.

Fourth-placed Enzo Hallman, aged 15, became the youngest ever driver to have tested an STCC race car.

“This is a memory for life. I could barely believe it when I pushed the accelerator on the straight and all power just came at once. This is a really fun car to drive with rear-wheel drive and 550hp. It was a really cool experience and a big thanks to NXT Gen Cup and STCC for this opportunity,” said Enzo Hallman.

The thrilling first-ever NXT Gen Cup season was concluded at the end of September and news about the 2024 season will be announced soon.

Are you interested in joining NXT Gen Cup for 2024? Get in touch!