As the world transitions to cleaner, smarter forms of mobility, racing stands at the cutting edge of innovation. Motorsports have historically driven breakthroughs in automotive technology, from engine advancements to safety features, and today, sustainability is the new frontier. At Move America 2024, SHAED’s Taylor Steele sat down with two rising stars in electric racing—Ellis Spiezia and Parker Wallin—to discuss the future of motorsport and sustainable mobility.
In this Q&A, Ellis and Parker share their unique paths into racing, their thoughts on sustainable fuels, and their perspectives on emerging technologies like electric powertrains and hybrid engines. Their insights reveal how today’s drivers are adapting to a new world of racing that embraces both performance and sustainability, making this conversation a vital look into the future of motorsports. Whether you’re a racing fan or simply curious about where transportation is headed, this interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the innovation shaping tomorrow’s mobility.
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Q1: Can you both introduce yourselves? Who are you, and how did you get into racing?
Ellis Spiezia: I’m Ellis, an 18-year-old racing driver. I took an unconventional path, jumping straight into electric motorsport, racing in Europe and now competing back in the States with Nitro Rallycross. It’s been a unique five-year journey, and I’m excited to be here at Move America.
Parker Wallin: I’m Parker, a Formula 4 JS driver sponsored by SHAED. I started with karting and gradually worked my way up. Now, I’m working toward my dream of reaching Formula1.
Q2: How did you develop your passion for racing? Was there a specific inspiration?
Ellis Spiezia: My passion started with go-karts at a local track in New York. My family wasn’t into racing, but I fell in love with it. Over time, I discovered electric karting, which eventually took me to Europe for full-time racing.
Parker Wallin: Watching Formula 1 races sparked my interest. After years of karting and practice, I pursued it professionally. Racing was always something I dreamed about, and I’ve been lucky enough to make progress up the motorsport ladder.
Q3: Who are your biggest influences in racing?
Ellis Spiezia: I’m a fan of old-school racers, especially Ayrton Senna and Juan Manuel Fangio. They pioneered techniques that remain fundamental today, and their courage in racing’s early, risky days inspires me.
Parker Wallin: As an aspiring Formula One driver, I look up to drivers like Lando Norris. I admire his consistency and dedication to winning, regardless of the challenges his team faces.
Q4: What are your thoughts on the role and future of sustainable fuels and electric motors in racing?
Ellis Spiezia: Sustainable racing is challenging but vital. I helped develop an electric Formula 4 car in Europe, charged by solar and wind power. That said, diesel is still prominent and infrastructure for electric vehicles is challenging.
This year, I’m racing with sustainable fuel, and it’s exciting to see motorsport move toward greener options.
Parker Wallin: Formula 1 recently switched to V6 hybrid engines, moving away from large gas-guzzling V8s, and plans to use biofuels by 2030, and I expect lower leagues like Formula 4 will likely follow suit, which is great for the environment and pushes innovation in the sport.
Hybrid engines add a new dimension to racing, like managing battery deployment for speed boosts. It’s complex but makes the sport more strategic, and I think fans appreciate that.
Q5: Can you describe what it feels like to drive a race car? Do you have any pre-race rituals?
Ellis Spiezia: Racing is exhilarating. In Nitro Rallycross, I’m jumping 50 feet through the air and drifting on dirt. We’re only running for 6 minutes, so it’s flat out.
As for rituals, I’ve got my lucky sushi socks! Or I mean I got my lucky socks. I ate sushi the night before the first race I ever won in a competitive series.
Parker Wallin: My races are longer, around 45 minutes. There is a benefit because you can make mistakes and compensate for it later but you gotta be 100% the entire time.
I like to listen to classical music before racing, so I put on my sound cancelling headphones kind of clock out for a minute.
Q6: What are your thoughts on the tech innovations showcased here at Move America?
Ellis Spiezia: I’m inspired by the commitment to electric and sustainable tech from companies like Nissan and Jaguar. Racing often tests these innovations before they hit the road, so it’s exciting to see that future technology in action.
Parker Wallin: The autonomous vehicles here are incredible. It’s wild to think that autonomous cars could soon be the norm. I’ve even seen attempts at autonomous racing, which adds an interesting layer to the future of motorsport.
Q7: Finally, what’s something you want people to know about the world of racing?
Ellis Spiezia: Racing isn’t just about speed; it’s incredibly strategic. Electric racing is often done with spec materials, making it more about skill than resources. So, if you’re passionate about racing, get behind the wheel, whether it’s a go-kart or even a lawn mower!
Parker Wallin: It’s a team sport. Even though only one driver is in the car, hundreds of people support them, from engineers to pit crews. It’s that teamwork that makes racing special.
About Parker Wallin After two and a half prolific seasons in kart racing, including a final podium in Minnesota and two consecutive first place finishes and a second-place championship in Southern California, 17-year-old Parker Wallin, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, joined the JSF4 Series with impressive speeds making his mark at the first two races of the 2024 season – NOLA Motorsports Park and Road America. He’s since continued to build his career off track pending funding support, co-commentating in the broadcast booth and building his relationships with the series organizers and ultimately forging the new partnership with SHAED that will allow him to compete at COTA in the final race of the season.
For questions and inquiries, contact: Richard Wallin [email protected]
About Ellis Spiezia Ellis believes the rewards of being first far outweigh the risks, proving it when his family left the US during a global pandemic in 2020 to pursue his singular passion for motorsport. With a start in indoor karting & sim racing, Ellis Spiezia is an 18 year old American racing driver paving an untraditional path. The first in the world to prioritize electric motorsport, his active role as an advocate, ambassador and development driver for multiple prototype projects sets him above the rest. Named an EVie Under 30 Star, a nominee for the inaugural BBC Green Sports Young Athlete of the Year Award, a member of EcoAthletes and High Impact Athletes, Ellis is confident and charismatic on stage and on track, bringing a fresh attitude to a legacy sport. Through media, education & metaverse initiatives he is doubling down, leading a new generation that will transform education, the economy, and sustainability through innovation. In 2024, he traded the circuit for the dirt, moving to rallycross. With single seater, touring car and rallycross experience on his CV, he intends to become the most versatile driver in the world, and put on a show doing it.
For questions and inquiries, visit: Ellysium Racing 2024
About SHAED Inc. SHAED is revolutionizing sustainable transportation through its innovative platform that integrates the physical, technological, and operational aspects of mobility throughout its lifecycle. By connecting all stakeholders in the fleet mobility ecosystem, SHAED redefines sustainable transportation through education, digitization of legacy processes, and AI-driven recommendation engines. Committed to simplifying sustainable mobility, SHAED drives efficiency today while enabling sustainability tomorrow, providing a centralized, intelligent platform that accelerates the industry’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.
For information and sales inquiries visit: SHAED.ai
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Written and Hosted by Taylor Steele
September 2024
