Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy: 2018-2020
While it didn't last for particularly long, the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy will always have a little place in tin-top history as one of the first ever electric touring car series. Formed as a support series for Formula E, the eTrophy was a one-make championship using identical spec cars based on the Jaguar I-Pace road car.
Only 20 examples of the car were built by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations division. The eTrophy received the usual upgrades to prepare it for racing, with improved aero, a lower ride height, a slight bump in power and all the necessary safety equipment. Like many EV race cars, the eTrophy used all-weather tyres rather than racing slicks.
Drivers raced in the series as part of an 'arrive and drive' package, with one VIP driver also present at each round. There were three classes in the championship: the VIP drivers were classed as 'Guests' and were ineligible to score points, while the rest of the drivers were split between the Pro and Pro-Am classes.
Unfortunately the series never got close to reaching its grid capacity of 20 cars. Usually the field consisted of around 10 cars, which naturally limited the excitement of the series. Things got worse when the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the second season of the eTrophy, leading to a makeshift calendar.
Following the conclusion of the championship's second season, Jaguar confirmed the eTrophy would be discontinued. Uncertainty caused by the pandemic was cited as the main factor, but the writing was arguably on the wall prior to that. Either way, the I-Pace eTrophy is an interesting footnote in the evolution of touring car racing.