- Unveiling The Perfect Storm: Witness the convergence of startups, racing legacy, and innovation in an epic Motorsport showcase.
- Powerhouse Performance: Experience the SIERRA Echo, an off-road marvel with a weight of 1350 pounds and an astonishing 307 horsepower.
- Driving Change: SIERRA Cars and Hypercraft revolutionize the industry with EV powertrains, delivering high-quality driving experiences at affordable prices.
At Electrify Expo’s Industry Day in Long Beach, we witnessed a groundbreaking moment in the world of Motorsport. The air was charged with excitement when two innovative startups – Hypercraft and SIERRA Cars – were announced to have joined forces with the legendary Block racing family to unveil their awe-inspiring creation. That was not just an ordinary vehicle; it was a testament to innovation and passion.
Hypercraft – Revolutionizing Powertrain Solutions
First things first, let’s talk about Hypercraft. Kirk Miller, the new Vice President of Direct Sales at Hypercraft, highlighted the company’s journey from a startup in 2019 to revolutionize powertrain solutions for electric vehicles. With divisions in Systems Integration and Stealthy EV, Hypercraft aims to seamlessly integrate powertrain systems into various electric vehicle platforms while pushing the boundaries of innovation in specialized applications. Miller emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and its vision of shaping the future of electric mobility through reliable, efficient, and adaptable powertrain solutions.
SIERRA Cars – Elevating the Driving Experience
Now, let’s shift our focus to SIERRA Cars, founded by the one and only Cole Powelson. Powelson, a racing and race car development pro, knew the thrill of the track like no other. When he looked at the market, he noticed something missing—a high-quality driving experience at an affordable price. That’s when SIERRA Cars was born, with a mission to make driving more fun, reduce costs, and minimize time spent tinkering under the hood. And guess what? They found the key to achieving all that: EV powertrains!
They lifted the curtain and revealed the star of the show – the SIERRA Echo! This baby was not your average ride. It’s an off-road vehicle that could handle anything thrown at it. Whether tearing through rough terrains, dominating rally cross events, or blazing across the tarmac, the SIERRA Echo delivers an unmatched thrill. With a weight of just 1350 pounds and a mind-blowing 307 horsepower, it boasts a power-to-weight ratio that put even the mighty Ferrari F8 Tributo to shame.
Validating Excellence – From the Harshest Races to Pikes Peak
Hypercraft didn’t just talk the talk; they walked the walk. They put their powertrain solutions to the test in some of the most grueling races, like the King of the Hammers (KOH). And guess what? They aced it! Collaborating with Dave Cole of KOH, they developed an EV drivetrain for an ultra-four vehicle, taking it to new heights (literally). As for SIERRA Cars, they set their sights on conquering the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with the talented Lucy Block of Blockhouse Racing behind the wheel of the SIERRA Echo. It was an awe-inspiring tribute to Ken Block and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Block family.
Racing for a Cause – Supporting Underprivileged Racers
SIERRA Cars wasn’t just about speed and power; they were all about making a positive impact too. To honor Ken Block’s legacy, they produced seven limited-edition vehicles, each adorned with the iconic livery and signed by the Block family and team. And here was the best part: the sale of these tribute vehicles contributed $43,000 to the 43i Institute, an incredible initiative that supported underprivileged racers. It was all about giving those who dared to chase their dreams a chance to shine.
What I witnessed back then was nothing short of extraordinary. The convergence of two startups, a legendary racing family, and a deep commitment to innovation and social impact birthed The Perfect Storm. As that awe-inspiring vehicle hit the roads, it set a new standard for Motorsport. With Hypercraft and SIERRA Cars at the helm, we embarked on a future where exhilaration, sustainability, and community support merged into an unforgettable experience.
IMAGES: SIERRA CARS
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