The National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) came under fire last month when it was discovered that the hybridized Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray would be banned from competing or participating at its sponsored events and shows. Following a significant amount of backlash from the Corvette community itself, NCCC has released a new statement acknowledging another adjusted rule set that allows the E-Ray to compete.
The outcry from fans came after Section 1.8.1 item 14 of the NCCC rulebook made its way around the internet last month. The rule specifically made it clear that hybrids and pure EVs are not welcome to share the lawn or track with other, more traditional Corvettes. Those types of cars were slated to be parked at least 30 feet away from other vehicles, which was an effort by the NCCC to reduce fire risks. The rule read as follows:
Electric Vehicles/Hybrids using lithium type battery packs are prohibited in competitive events. If driven to NCCC events, they should be parked 30 feet minimum from structures or other vehicles.
The E-Ray features a single electric motor mounted above the front axle, which gives the Corvette AWD capabilities for the first time. A minuscule battery located in the center spine of the chassis supplies the juice, while the 6.2-liter LT2 V-8 from the Stingray sits out back. For comparison, the pure-electric Hummer EV’s battery pack is 212.0 kWh. Together the powertrain is good for 655 horsepower. Thanks to the added grip, the E-Ray will get to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. Keep your foot in it and the electrified sports car will rip off a 10.5-second quarter-mile run. Those figures make the E-Ray the quickest Corvette ever, surpassing even the mighty Z06, which makes 15 hp more.
Following the media storm, NCCC president Deb Murphy said that we all misunderstood the original rule. More specifically, Murphy states that hybrid vehicles were never meant to get caught up in the ban, but rather just pure electric vehicles.
“I would like to clarify the discussion at the November meeting compared to what has appeared across the media: Discussion concerned the electric cars (plug-in kind) that have caught fire,” Murphy said in a statement. “We did not include hybrid cars in that discussion. Hybrids are allowed at our competitions and E-Rays will be welcomed at our events.”
While the rulebook listed by NCCC still doesn’t back up Murphy’s claims about that initial ruling, this is a win for E-Ray buyers. Whether or not they have a battery onboard, the E-Ray was designed for track work like every other C8. Murphy stated that the rulebook will ultimately be adjusted to reflect the group’s position on the matter. Whether or not NCCC softens up to all-electric cars, a pure EV Corvette doesn’t seem that far off at this point.
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry. He may daily drive an aging Mustang, but his Porsche 944 and NB Miata both take up most of his free time.
