General Motors has decided to quit Extreme E ahead of the championship’s proposed shift towards hydrogen-based vehicles in 2025. As a result, the No. 99 GMC HUMMER EV run by Chip Ganassi Racing will not participate in the 2024 Extreme E season.
GM and CGR, who also work together in IMSA and WEC with the Cadillac V-Series R LMDh, were original members of Extreme E, having raced since the series launched in 2021. Despite the might, the team only managed one victory, the NEOM Island X Prix I in 2022. In total the team scored three podiums across three seasons in the series.
In a statement to Muscle Cars and Trucks, CGR, said: “Chip Ganassi Racing can confirm that the team will not be competing in the Extreme E series for the 2024 season. We sincerely thank Extreme E for welcoming our GMC HUMMER EV entry as part of their innovative series and look forward to following the series’ growth. We will be watching closely as the series, and its technical partners continue to push motorsports in their move upward and into a modernized off-road hydrogen-powered race car for 2025 and beyond.”
Comments from Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, had the following to say on the matter: “General Motors have been important ambassadors for our electric racing series, however as we transition towards a hydrogen-powered future it’s a logical move for them to concentrate on continuing their efforts in the electric market. We wish them success in their future endeavours.”
While CGR will not take place in the fourth season of Extreme E competition, the company is interested in returning to the championship after the series officially becomes Extreme H in 2025. When reached for comment, CGR didn’t offer how the organization envisions a return to the championship. However, considering GM’s interests in hydrogen fuel cell technology, a re-entry could be imminent.
“Although Chip Ganassi Racing will not take part in Season 4, we know that they are huge supporters of our unique form of off-road racing, particularly with our switch to Extreme H on the horizon in 2025,” said Agag.
Also on the horizon for Extreme H is the potential to become an official FIA World Championship in 2026. This means the world’s first-ever off-road hydrogen racing series could join the same ranks as Formula 1, Formula E, the World Endurance Championship, and the World Rally Championship, among others.
In total, there are just seven official FIA World Championships. This planned pathway to World Championship status is a strong statement for the growth towards a hydrogen-powered future.
All of that is to say: the Hummer EV’s nameplate’s motorsports efforts seem to be over as quickly as they began.
GMC Hummer EV Chip Ganassi Racing Extreme E.### Share this automotive news:
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