A RALLY driver from West Cumbria hopes to demonstrate the power of electric cars against petrol-driven vehicles in a championship race.
Natalie Barratt of Cockermouth is preparing to take part in the Five Nations British Rallycross Championship – and this year the 2021 races will feature electric and petrol cars for the first time ever.
“It’s my plan to put in a two-car team," said Natalie. "It’s still in the planning stage.”
If Natalie is able to enter the rally cross championship, she will drive a carbon-free electric racer against petrol-driven opponents. She takes on the challenge fresh off a victory in an all-electric rally cross race in November.
“It’s a big turning point in British motorsport in general,” she said.
“It’ll be very weird sitting on the grid in a car that has no emissions or sounds and everyone else’s are banging and popping.
"I think it’s important for people to know that motorsport is changing.
"It’ll raise a few eyebrows. People have made a few comments saying ‘give them their own class'.
“I know why they want them to have their own class – it’s because these cars are so fast.”
She added that some of the cars on the grid went from 0-60 in 2.5 seconds but the STARD Ford Fiesta Natalie drives can make it in 1.7 seconds.
“I’m more excited about going up against the petrol cars in the all-electric to drive it home and give the clearest possible message.”
Natalie hopes that it will be a big moment for the net zero agenda.
“I know everyone wants to do their bit for global warming.
“We don’t have to travel. It’s here in England so I haven’t got a massive carbon footprint. It’s open air so people can come and watch. When children are going to watch you, you want to show them this technology.”
She added: “It’ll be a real eye opener. I won’t lie – these cars aren’t cheap to run but that’s the whole motoring industry full stop.”
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