NXT Gen Cup unveils the future of junior racing with the 100% electric LRT NXT1
NXT Gen Cup pulled the covers off the world's first 100% electric junior touring car race car during the STCC weekend at Knutstorp - the LRT NXT1.
Junior drivers from the age of 14 to 25 are eligible to race the car in the 2023 NXT Gen Cup season.
"This is a vital step forward for the regrowth of Scandinavian motorsport in a sustainable and innovative way with the all-electric LRT NXT1," said Fredrik Lestrup, co-founder of NXT Gen Cup.
"We have worked tirelessly with this for the past months and to finally reveal the car to the enthusiastic future racing stars that have gathered here at the launch is an incredibly rewarding feeling for us all in the project."
One of the first drivers to test the new car is reigning Swedish junior champion Oliver Söderström who is currently racing for Lestrup Racing Team in the STCC.
"I was amazed by the instant power of the electric motor and the responsiveness of the car thanks to the low centre of gravity," said Oliver Söderström.
“This car is perfect for young talent as a first step from go kart into racing. It’s rewarding to drive, easy to understand and still a challenge to drive at the very limit.”
Milla Sjöstrand, who was a FIA Girls On Track: Rising Stars finalist last year, is one of the first go kart stars who will get to test the car later this year ahead of a potential 2023 drive.
The 14-year-old was present during the launch at Knutstorp along with several other junior drivers who got a comprehensive introduction to the series.
"I think the LRT NXT1 looks awesome, and I was left with a taste for more after the introduction at Knutstorp,” said Milla Sjöstrand.
“NXT Gen Cup is definitely interesting for me as the next step forward in my career, especially as it’s fully electric which is becoming more and more relevant in racing, as well as in society in general. Let’s see what the future brings, NXT Gen Cup is for sure on my list ahead of 2023.”
One of the co-founders of NXT Gen Cup with plenty of experience in developing race cars is Kenth Öhlin, the founder and former owner of Öhlins.
"It was an easy decision for me to become part of NXT Gen Cup and the development of the LRT NXT1 as I've had a long and successful cooperation with Fredrik and Lestrup Racing Team," said Kenth Öhlin.
"Swedish junior racing has been successful in the past to bring forward stars like Johan Kristoffersson and Mattias Ekström, but that step has been missing for the past decade or so.
"I firmly believe that NXT Gen Cup will be successful to get junior drivers the right education for their future careers and create a sustainable foundation to bring forward the motorsport stars of tomorrow."
The LRT NXT1 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.
"People often consider electric race cars as a step back in terms of performance and usability, this is something we want to show isn't the case with the LRT NXT1 and NXT Gen Cup," said Fredrik Lestrup.
"We have from the first page of design had the outset to create a race car that these young talents get to race properly without any drawbacks that could be a negative part to their future careers.
“This is obviously new territory for the entire motorsport industry, but I am confident that we have created a solid foundation for young drivers that we will evolve continuously."
NXT Gen Cup is the world’s first 100% electric junior touring car cup which will start in 2023 alongside the all-electric STCC. Visit nxtgencup.com for further information.
Interested junior drivers can apply interest to take part in the 2023 series right here.
