International ePrix Formula E Car Championship coming to Brooklyn expected to draw thousands

July 15 and 16 in Red Hook

May 15, 2017 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle

For the first time, motorsports will be coming to New York City with the ePrix Formula E car racing championship in Red Hook on July 15 and 16. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Mayor

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They’re competing on the streets of Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Buenos Aires, Monaco and Paris.

And on July 15 and 16, the ninth and tenth leg of the ePrix Formula E car racing championship will come to Red Hook for an international event that will bring motorsports to New York City for the first time.

The FIA-sanctioned ePrix is the world’s first fully electric, single-seater racing series, fitting in, Mayor de Blasio said, with the city’s role as a nexus of technology, sustainability and commerce. Ten teams and 20 drivers have been racing their way across five continents.

A 1.95 kilometer circuit, featuring 10 turns, will wind through the Red Hook waterfront around Pier 11 at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Drivers will race at roughly 150 mph.

Grandstands ($85 for full price tickets, less for students) will be erected for those who want the best views.

According to a statement by de Blasio, the event “will bring thousands of visitors, boost Brooklyn tourism and spur investment in our neighborhoods.”

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Formula E, said in a statement, “Formula E is taking motorsport to places never seen before. To organize the first FIA-sanctioned open-wheel race in the city of New York is a defining moment — it’s a place everybody wants to visit and host a race.”

At a recent Brooklyn press conference, Antonio Felix da Costa, Andretti Formula E driver, said he thought the New York race would raise the bar for the series.

“To have a race — especially with Formula E — where we’re developing electric vehicle technology, will create awareness for all the people that have had question marks about this,” he said in a statement.

“A race in New York is for me and my fellow drivers like a small dream,” said Lucas di Grassi, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver. He added, “Just imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline from the pitlane! It will also be a sporting highlight as the track has a mix of fast sections, hairpin bends and a narrow infield directly on the waterfront.”

A 1.95 kilometer circuit will wind through the Red Hook waterfront around Pier 11. Map courtesy of FIA Formula E

On May 13, driver Sebastien Buemi withstood pressure from di Grassi to claim his fourth FIA Formula E Championship win of the season in Monaco, where more than 18,000 fans packed the grandstands. Di Grassi held onto second place.

Besides providing thrills, the championship showcases the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology. Future seasons will see advances in motor and battery components, which in turn will filter down to everyday contemporary electric road vehicles, organizers said.

Tickets can be found at http://info.fiaformulae.com/new-york-city-eprix-en