GCK Motorsport, part of Green Corp Konnection (GCK), announced its ambitious plans for hydrogen-power in motorsport as the answer to the industry’s quest to develop ever more sustainable racing solutions.
Founded by French racing driver, former free-skiing World Champion, entrepreneur and Dakar veteran, Guerlain Chicherit, GCK Motorsport (formerly known as GC Kompetition) encompasses GCK’s racing programme and is supported by its in-house engineering and technology department GCK Technology and its green-energy solutions provider, GCK Energy.
In support of this commitment to future technology and long-term vision for a more sustainable future, GCK Motorsport are committed to switching all their racing projects to green energy only, whatever the propulsion mode, hydrogen or fully electric powered. As such, and while hydrogen-powered solutions are still under development, GCK Motorsport will only compete in electric motorsport Championships from 2021 onwards.
The GCK e-Blast 1 represents GCK Motorsport’s first step in promoting the future of cross-country rally: the GCK e-Blast 1 will run environmentally friendly, fully electric technology for long distance rallying with a view to integrate the GCK hydrogen solution as the programme develops. Drawing on the parallels of the technological evolution between both, the electric project will provide the foundation for GCK’s hydrogen future.
Not known to run from a challenge, GCK Motorsport produced a bespoke electric powertrain and battery-pack specific to cross-country rallying. Integrated into the chassis that won Dakar Rally in 2018 and further developing it to produce 250 Kw, the equivalent of 340 hp, with battery power of 150 Kwh to achieve a top speed of 180kmh and max torque of 1000 Nm, the GCK e-Blast 1 will provide the perfect platform to drive further technological advancement in long-distance rallying.
Known as the world’s most challenging long-distance rally event, it comes as no surprise that GCK Motorsport will be unveiling their GCK e-Blast 1 at the 2021 Dakar Rally. The e-Blast 1 will be taking on the terrain around the city of Neom, Saudi Arabia, in January 2021 as well as other off-road races throughout 2021 to further optimise the vehicle and technology. In parallel, GCK Motorsport will be developing their hydrogen-powered solution with a view to present a hydrogen-powered vehicle in January 2022, before being fully race-ready in 2023 – 2024.
With a view to take on Dakar’s gruelling route with a 2-car team by 2024, GCK Motorsport will also make their green racing technology available commercially to other teams attempting the long-distance rally and sharing GCK’s vision in reducing their environmental impact.
“We’re really excited to present the GCK e-Blast 1, the first step in what we believe to be the future of long-distance cross-country racing: hydrogen-powered vehicles. Our aim is to create an environmentally friendly rally car, powered only by green energy, that will be able to go the distance. Our investment into hydrogen technology will enable us to race the first hydrogen-powered car in Dakar in 2023 – 2024.”, Eric Boudot, CEO of Green Corp Konnection and GCK Motorsport, commented.
“I’ve been working on bringing together my passions for motorsport and technology with my vision for a sustainable future. Living in the Alps is a daily reminder of the steps we need to take to develop cutting-edge technology and use our existing motorsport projects as a platform to drive a sustainable transformation. I’m super excited to have brought together forward-thinking specialists in their fields to produce ground-breaking work that will make a difference. I can’t wait to see our first phase brought to life at a race that means so much to me, the Dakar Rally.”, Guerlain Chicherit, President of Green Corp Konnection and GCK Motorsport, added.
