Misplaced Partnerships? NXT Gen Cup and FG Series Chosing DTM as Partner

I remember preparing for the Berlin ePrix this year with great excitement, not only because of the Formula E race but also due to the announcement that the NXT Gen Cup, a series for young drivers racing in electric Minis, would be supporting the electric racing series. The NXT Gen Cup had its first season in 2023, making this year their second.

Source: https://www.nxtgencup.com/

The idea of an electric junior series running alongside the pinnacle of electric single-seater racing in Formula E made perfect sense to me. 

I was eager to see these young female and male drivers in action. However, shortly before the Berlin races, on April 8th (roughly 4 weeks before the ePrix in the German capital), NXT Gen Cup announced on their website that their collaboration with Formula E was made impossible "due to unexpected constraints in getting the junior series ready for the joint race weekends with Formula E."

The disappointment was massive. NXT Gen Cup founder Fredrik Lerstrup expressed his regret in a statement on their website, and I shared his sentiment. I had been very much looking forward to seeing them in Berlin.

Following this disappointing news, a collaboration with DTM was secured, allowing NXT Gen to race alongside DTM at the Norisring, Nürburgring, Sachsenring, and Hockenheim. 

How Does This Collaboration Make Sense?

This collaboration seems mismatched. The junior series is based on electric cars, while DTM is not. It appears to be a temporary solution. Better than cancelling the whole season after the most suitable partnership with Formula E fell through.

Source: https://www.fgseries.com/

Surprisingly, however, another electric junior series joined NXT Gen in collaborating with DTM not long after. The FG Series, set to start next year, will feature two championships using the FG-Twin race car for both: the FG1 and the entry-level class FG2. The FG Series will aim to help new motorsport talents improve their skills and advance to professional racing, teaching both rear and 4-wheel drive, and focusing on skill development and cost management. Very similar to the concept behind the NXT Gen Cup.

Their collaboration with DTM involves an information stand at the DTM races, providing guests with insights into the series and promoting sustainability and innovation.

Why Partner with DTM?

But why are these electric racing series partnering with DTM? It feels out of place. Are they trying to demonstrate to DTM audiences that electric racing can be equally, if not more, exciting? Are they showcasing the potential of electric vehicles? If so, that would explain the collaboration. However, no statement made has explicitly suggested this, leaving me to question the reasoning behind these rather unusual partnerships.