Formula E adds NXT Gen Cup as new support series
Formula E bosses have announced the addition of a new junior touring car series to support its single-seater championship.
The NXT Gen Cup is the world’s first fully electric junior touring car series, designed to foster the next generation of E-racing talent.
A field of 20 drivers aged 15 to 25 will compete across six races this year, supporting each European leg of the main Formula E series and two DTM touring car events.
Each driver will be behind the wheel of a purpose-built vehicle developed by Lestrup Racing Team. The 20 identical LRT NXT1 cars are based on an electric MINI Cooper SE road car and pack a regular 180bhp, with an extra 60bhp boost from the push-to-pass features. Each car comes with a 30kWh battery and 800V system for rapid charging. Features also include regenerative braking, adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers and Hankook semi-slick tyres.
The series will get underway in Misano, Italy, on April 13 and 14 as the World Championship begins its European tour. It will then continue alongside the main championship as it visits Monaco and Berlin before the season finale in London. In mid-July racers will support the DTM at Germany’s Norisring, and the season will wrap up at Hockenheim in October, again supporting the DTM event.
Each NXT Gen Cup event will feature two 20-minute practice sessions, a 20-minute qualifying session and a 20-minute race.
Fredrik Lestrup, series founder of NXT Gen Cup, commented: “For 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 created a spectacular calendar which 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.”
Alberto Longo, co-founder of Formula E, added: “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 to our sport and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams.”
