Experience the Corvette E-Ray at the NCM Motorsports Park!

When the NCM Motorsports Park announced that they were acquiring a pair of 2024 Corvette E-Rays earlier this year, we knew we had to get up to the track and drive one of them.  Like so many other enthusiasts, our excitement and anticipation around the E-Ray's arrival was mixed with some uncertainty about GM's decision to build a "hybrid" Corvette.  With all the controversy that has surrounded so many manufacturers' decisions of late to move away from internal combustion (gas powered) engines and towards electric platforms, we had seen/heard/read a lot of early criticism that the E-Ray was nothing more than Chevrolet's executives desire to  "jump on the electric car bandwagon" with an abomination of their flagship sports car.

Instead, the world has been graced with a new Corvette that could be, for all intents and purposes, the most capable production sports car that Chevrolet has ever produced.  And yes, I include the Z06 in that remark, at least in terms of off-the-line acceleration and overall handling capabilities….but we'll get to all of that shortly.  We're also going to dive into the two incredible driving experiences that the NCM Motorsports Park has available to anyone looking to drive one of these amazing "electric" Corvettes.  But before we unpackage all of that, I thought it prudent that we take a couple minutes to clarify what distinguishes the E-Ray from both the eighth-generation, mid-engine Stingray and its big brother, the mid-engined Z06 Corvette.

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray

The Corvette E-Ray is a "sophisticated supercar" (from the GM website) that was inspired by the C8.R race car, as well as F1 and Le Mans prototypes.  The car is powered by a 495 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft of torque, 6.2L small block engine.  What sets the E-Ray apart is that the car also features an electrified drive motor that powers its front wheels.  With an estimated additional output of 160 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft of additional torque, the electric powertrain helps the new E-Ray to post some truly remarkable acceleration numbers, both from a standstill or when running at speed.  The all-wheel drive setup (with the addition of the electric front motor) also improves the car's handling at speed, especially when entering and exiting corners at high speed or during passing maneuvers on the road or the track.  What's more, this setup also offers drivers a limited EV-only drive mode which allows for near-silent departures - a nice feature for those early morning trips to the local Cars and Coffee when the rest of the household is still sleeping.

The E-Ray also features a number of functional design elements including wider fenders and quarter panels that are very similar to those found on the eighth-generation Z06 Corvette.  The result is a sleek, sculpted sports car that follows the design mantra of "form follows function," providing a number of aerodynamic and performance benefits.  It comes equipped with standard ground effects and an integrated spoiler that contribute to the car's aerodynamic stance, while color-matched body panels give the car a truly refined-but-ever-so-aggressive appearance.

What's interesting about the Corvette E-Ray is this - the car is anything but a conventional EV, or even a hybrid, automobile.  While there has been criticism by some skeptics that Chevrolet has been moving the Corvette towards the world of electric vehicles, the inclusion of an electric drive system on this car is for one purpose only - to further enhance the performance and handling of an already amazing and capable sports car!

Experiencing the E-Ray at the NCM Motorsports Park

Okay, now that we've (hopefully) cleared up any confusion around the E-Ray's powerplant and helped explain what makes the car unique, I want to explore what makes driving the E-Ray an experience that is absolutely worth having, and moreover, why having that experience at the NCM Motorsports Park is an absolute must!

To begin, the NCM Motorsports Park (MSP) in Bowling Green, Kentucky is a first-rate enthusiast race track that connects drivers of all skill levels with America's Sports Car in a way that few other venues of this sort come close to rivaling.  The MSP owns a fleet of Corvettes, including both seventh-and-eighth generation Stingrays, a pair of eighth-generation Z06 Corvettes and (the most recent addition to their fleet) a pair of 2024 Corvette E-Ray coupes.    Every one of these cars can be rented for a variety of uniquely tailored driving experiences specifically designed to get enthusiasts behind the wheel and out on the track.

When it comes to the Corvette E-Ray, the MSP offers two uniquely tailored driving experiences: the "Corvette E-Ray Touring Laps" and the "Lightning Round."

The Corvette E-Ray Touring Laps puts guests in the driver's seat of the quickest accelerating production Corvette ever made for four (4) lead/follow laps on the MSP's nationally recognized 3.2-mile, 23-turn road course.  To date, the NCM Motorsports Park is the first and only commercialized track in the nation to offer guests the opportunity to experience this incredible sports car in this way.

For those guests who want to further enhance their E-Ray experience, the Lightning Round includes the aforementioned E-Ray Touring Laps as well the opportunity to throw on a race helmet, strap into the E-Ray's passenger seat, and go for an adrenaline pumping Hot Lap around the track after being "launched" from 0-60 in a mere 2.5 seconds (source: GM). 

So, are the experiences worth it?  In a word, YESSSSS!!!!

Corvette E-Ray Touring Laps

When I arrived at the track, the MSP staff had both of the E-Rays parked on the tarmac and ready to go.  Their pair of cars, which are finished in Sea Wolf Gray Tricoat and Riptide Blue Metallic, respectively, looked fast as they sat parked next to the MSP's fleet of mid-engine Stingrays.  Their wide stance, massive wheels, and aggressive styling assured me that I was about to experience something special.  Having previously driven the track's eighth-generation Z06 last summer, I expected these cars to be fast, but I was about to discover what allows the E-Ray to pull rank (in terms of acceleration and handling) on all of its eighth-generation counterparts.

After connecting with Morgan Watson, the MSP's sales and marketing manager, and Tim Vernak, the track's retail manager, to discuss the morning's activities and complete the required safety/liability paperwork, I was re-introduced to driver Dale Saukas, who would be piloting the lead car for my E-Ray Tour Laps experience.  I had previously received instruction from Dale at an HPDI event hosted at the MSP, so I knew I was going to be running behind a capable lead driver, even though I would be driving the faster of the Corvettes (his was a 2024 Z51 Stingray).  Mind you, we were preparing to run tour laps, which require a "restricted" top speed for safety and skill reasons, but I was also hoping to experience the acceleration and handling capabilities of this very-capable new Corvette, so I was very glad to know Dale would be running out front.

One item I would like to note here is the absolute professionalism of the entirety of the NCM MSP's staff.  As a track regular, I've been fortunate to get to know many of the employees that staff the Motorsports Park, and I am always blown away by the friendly-and-inclusive atmosphere everyone there conveys.  Where some track venues have a near "elitist" arrogance amongst its drivers and staff, everyone at the NCM MSP goes out of their way to make every guest feel welcomed and valued - which makes the experience that much sweeter for every guest visiting this awesome venue.

As I climbed into the E-Ray, I was struck both by the familiar layout of the eighth-generation cockpit (which at first glance is nearly identical to both its Z06 and Stingray counterparts) and the subtle nuance of this new Corvette, which had a few unique features that were different from the other cars.  With the power off, the sole distinguishing characteristic was the "E-Ray" badge on the bottom of the steering wheel.  However, once I pressed the ignition switch and the car came to life, I started noting the differences in the gauge clusters and display screen.  As configured, the dashboard display included a "Hybrid Battery" gauge and an "eAWD" with a battery charge indicator, which I believe provides information on battery charging through power reclamation during vehicle operation.  The center display also showcased new graphics unique to the 2024 E-Ray.

The other element of the E-Ray that surprised me was the very conventional sound of the car's 6.2 liter engine.  While I was wholly aware that the E-Ray utilized a gas-powered engine as its primary means of propulsion, I had somehow gotten it into my head that the car would sound different - perhaps in the same way that the sound of the Z06's 5.5 liter, flat-plane crank engine had shocked and delighted me when I fired it up for the first time at that earlier experience.   The E-Ray had no such unique exhaust note, at least at idle, but I would soon discover that it had its own signature sound at speed.

After Dale provided me with a brief overview of the tour lap program and activated the HPD video recorder, he climbed into his Stingray and we were off.

Now, for all the years I've been writing about Corvettes, I've never been able to accurately communicate the feeling that comes over me each and every time I get to take one of these cars out on a track.  I suppose there is no way to convey the experience to someone who has never experienced it, but I will say that for as many times as I've been out on this racetrack (and at this point, I've logged hundreds of miles at the NCM MSP), it never fails to make me feel something akin to the way my five-year old self felt coming down the steps to a living room full of presents on Christmas morning.   And to do it in an E-Ray…let me tell you, I was beyond thrilled.

As is customary at the Motorsports Park, photographers Cole Carroll and Sean Reagan were poised at the track entrance to capture the first of many high-resolution digital photographs to chronicle the experience.  We pulled down pit lane slowly, allowing them to snap their pictures, and then as I watched Dale's brake lights go dark and saw him begin to pull away, we were off and running.

I am aware that there has been some speculation about how fast the E-Ray really is.  As previously stated, I was not in a position to launch the car (though that opportunity would follow at the completion of these tour laps (and is chronicled below)),  I was instantly aware of the car's immediate response as I engaged the accelerator pedal.  The power was immediate and decisive.  Where an internal combustion engine (ICE) has a powerband that achieves optimal horsepower and maximum torque at higher RPMs, the E-Ray launched decisively and accelerated VERY capably right out of the chute.  By the time I approached turn 2 (and mind you, that's not a long run from the track's entry point), we were already going a good bit faster than I would've done in a stock Stingray.  No, it wasn't a dramatic difference, at least given the limited time and distance for that initial launch, but it was a decisive improvement over the base model mid-engine Stingray.

There are two areas where this car truly impressed me.  The first, as already stated, was the straight line acceleration.  As Dale and I got into the back straight at the end of turn 3, I was able to open up the throttle and really feel the car come to life.  As had been eluded to in our departure from pitlane, the car came to life and provided me with some of the most monumental acceleration I've felt on that track (and that includes with the Z06).   Oh, and remember I commented a moment ago about the sound?  The E-Ray's electric motor creates a high pitch electrical whistle that is somewhat similar to the sound of a supercharger winding up.

The second item that impressed me is how well the car handled through a turn.  After speaking with Zachary Rackovan, the MSP's General Manager earlier in the morning, I had been told that the electric motors would create the "illusion" that there was a small finger helping to guide the E-Ray's front wheels around-and-through the turns.  Where that description may not make a whole lot of sense to anyone who hasn't driven the car, the experience was exactly like that.  Where the front wheel traction and weight transfer on most rear wheel drive cars limits the speed at which they can enter/exit a turn on-track, the addition of the E-Ray's front wheel drive element (thanks to its electric motors) helped to pull the car through the turns and actually allowed me to go faster through them.

Because the NCM Motorsports Park was hosting their Level 1 Driving Academy on the day I was there, the track was configured so only the West Circuit course was available.  At 2.00 miles (3.22km), the West Circuit s a good deal shorter than the Grand Full course, which checks in at 3.2 miles (5.15km).  The tradeoff was that I made up for the shorter laps by completing more laps than the traditional four laps that are normally included in a standard tour lap package.  This was more than acceptable and gave me a chance to experience the track in a different configuration than I normally run when I'm there. What's more, turn 14 (the final turn back to the front straight at the end of the West Circuit) is tight and aggressive, and gave me a great opportunity to experience the added drivability offered through the all wheel drive component of the E-Ray.

Without question - driving the E-Ray on track was truly a remarkable experience.  What's more, at just under $850.00 for the experience, its an excellent way to become acquainted with one of Corvette's brightest stars of the current eighth-generation lineup.

The Lightning Round

Now I know some of you are probably asking yourselves: "But isn't the whole point of driving the E-Ray to experience its incredible 0-60 launch times?  What's the point of driving the car if you can't even do the 0-60 launch and feel that insane acceleration?"  While my answer to that question is that there is PLENTY more to the E-ray that makes driving the car a wh9lly worthwhile experience, the NCM Motorsports Park has provided an option that promises to satisfy everyone's curiosity about the E-Ray's crazy-fast launch times.

Here's the deal - when driving a car to its limit, its better to leave the driving to the professionals…and the NCM Motorsports Park has done just that by creating another package that puts you in the passenger seat next to one of the track's professional drivers.  Dubbed the "Lightning Round," you'll get to experience the breathtaking acceleration of the E-Ray as you are propelled, no, scratch that, LAUNCHED down the front straight from 0-60 in WELL UNDER three seconds.  How well under you ask? I'm not able to report official numbers from my experience, but where GM reports officially that the E-Ray can do the 0-60 launch in 2.5 seconds, I've heard rumblings that some of the track's drivers have actually improved upon that time.  All I know is that it was FAST.

But here's what's cool about the Lightning Round.  You don't just complete the 0-60 launch and call it good.  Instead, you continue around the track at speeds that exceed what most drivers are capable of achieving under their own volition.  This is a helmeted experience, which means that the restricted speeds that pertain to the Tour Laps don't apply here.  You will go fast, you will be whipped through corners, you'll experience the E-Ray's robust acceleration in all the straight aways and its enormous braking in some of the MSP's technical turns, and you will come out the other side feeling like you just ran a marathon from pushing your feet into the floorboards as you try to brace yourself throughout the ride.

And just like the Tour Laps, the Lightning Round is definitely worth the price of admission.  The Lightning Round, which also includes the Tour Lap experience, adds a few hundred dollars to the price of admission, but consider this: for what you are paying, you are getting to drive (and ride in) a Corvette that retails for more than $100k at a venue that is, in this author's humble opinion, unparalleled anywhere in the country.  The NCM Motorsports Park features a fast, highly-technical road course racetrack built for Corvette enthusiasts by Corvette enthusiasts.  What's more, when you drive these cars at the track, you are putting a fair amount of wear and tear on them - your experience isn't going to be a sunday cruise to grandma's house.  This is going to be spirited driving at its finest, and with that, there is a fair amount of upkeep (both to the track and the cars) that must be maintained to ensure a safe and exciting driving experience for everyone coming to the track.

Still, from what I've seen from other organizations that offer similar driving experiences at other venues, the E-Ray Tour Laps and Lightning Round experiences are both very competitively priced and are well worth the price of admission.  And as I draw to a close on this article, let me leave you with this: while everyone goes to the track to test their mettle and experience the rush of going fast on a race track, what really separates the NCM Motorsports Park for me is this: while the venue is WORLD CLASS - and it really is (you'll see that for yourself the next time you are in Bowling Green, Kentucky), the best part of the MSP are the men and women who staff it.  It is very apparent that everyone who works there loves what they get to do for a living, and it translates into making an already good track day experience a truly great one.

For more information about all the available experiences at the MSP, please visit them by clicking here:  NCM Motorsports Park.  Trust me, you'll be glad you did.