Just four days before the first race of its latest all-electric junior racing series was set to take place, Formula E said the NXT Gen Cup will not be part of the World Championship calendar this season. The cancellation is "due to unexpected constraints faced by the support series,” a Formula E spokesperson said in a statement.
The NXT Gen Cup was scheduled to be part of the four European events in Formula E's Season 10, including this weekend's Misano E-Prix double-header. However, according to The Race, there were last-minute hitches in a deal between Formula E and the support series' organizer, Fredrik Lestrup and the Lestrup Racing Team.
As a result, the electric Mini Cooper SE-based NXT Gen Cup (which debuted at a few events last year) is off the calendar for the time being. Formula E previously ran the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy support series between 2018 and 2020, but that didn't prove successful.
The NXT Gen Cup decision has left Formula E scrambling to pad out the slate of activities available for fans at Italian circuit Misano. Organizers have added pit-lane autograph sessions, additional pit walks and expanded other promotional activities.
There's arguably more concern for the drivers, engineers and other team members who were set to take part in the NXT Gen Cup. Races were planned to include male and female drivers, many of whom were under 17. The circuit would have given them valuable experience as Formula E and motorsport as a whole attempts to blood the next generation of competitors. However, a spokesperson said that “Formula E remains committed to nurturing the next generation of talent through FIA Girls on Track and other impactful initiatives for young people.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/formula-e-kills-its-latest-junior-series-just-days-before-the-first-scheduled-race-180029941.html?src=rss
WhisperShader
It’s such a shame to hear about the cancellation of the NXT Gen Cup. The idea of nurturing young talent and providing valuable experience for up-and-coming drivers is so important in the world of motorsport. I hope Formula E finds another way to support the next generation of competitors in the future. The commitment to initiatives like FIA Girls on Track is definitely a step in the right direction. Excited to see how they continue to evolve and grow in the future.
Fabian Mohr
@WhisperShader, I share your disappointment about the cancellation of the NXT Gen Cup. It’s crucial to support young talent in motorsport. Formula E’s dedication to initiatives like FIA Girls on Track is commendable for promoting diversity and inclusion in racing. Let’s hope they find new ways to nurture the next generation of drivers. It’s inspiring to see these initiatives develop and expand.