Pulling joins Nissan Formula E; LMH/LMDh rules extended to 2032; Trump signs resolution cutting CA clean air rules

Pulling Power: F1 Academy Champ Joins Nissan Formula E

Abbi Pulling continues her rise through the motorsport ranks with a major career move signing a multi-year contract as Nissan Formula E’s official rookie and simulator driver. Fresh off a dominant season in F1 Academy, Pulling has now cemented her place in a globally recognized electric racing outfit. Her role with Nissan will include rookie tests, simulator development work, and preparations for events throughout the Formula E calendar.

The 22-year-old impressed Nissan leadership during the all-women’s test in Madrid last year, with team principal Tommaso Volpe citing her “speed, commitment, and professionalism” as key reasons behind the decision. Pulling’s versatility across series like W Series, British F4, and GB3 makes her a valuable long-term asset. For Pulling, this isn’t just another step up it’s a strategic pivot into one of motorsport’s most technologically advanced arenas.

WEC Hypercar Era Extended to 2032

The World Endurance Championship’s current Hypercar era is set to run until 2032, giving manufacturers a decade-long window of stability. The LMH and LMDh regulations which govern the WEC’s top class have officially been extended in an effort to promote cost control and return on investment for manufacturers. This move, announced ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours, ensures that the top tier of endurance racing won’t undergo a major regulation shift until at least the next decade.

This extension is more than just paperwork it’s a vote of confidence in the Hypercar formula. It gives companies like Toyota, Ferrari, and Porsche more runway to develop and race their machinery without fear of shifting goalposts. The ACO and FIA have also hinted at the potential for more pro-am Hypercar involvement in regional series like the Asian Le Mans Series, potentially creating a more global and accessible prototype ecosystem.

California’s EV Future Blocked as Trump Signs Emissions Rollback

In a major regulatory shift, President Trump has signed off on repealing California’s ability to enforce its own vehicle emissions standards rules that ten other states had also adopted. The new federal resolution eliminates California’s Advanced Clean Cars II program, its mandate for increasing zero-emissions vehicle sales, and its truck emissions rules. The White House claims this will protect consumer choice and prevent what it calls a de facto national EV mandate.

The response has been swift and polarizing. California and ten other states have already filed lawsuits to block the federal action. Governor Gavin Newsom called the move “illegal” and “reckless,” while environmental groups like the Sierra Club argue it’s a direct handout to fossil fuel interests. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly shape the future of clean transportation policy in the U.S. and the state’s ability to lead that effort.

Hypercars to Join the Asian Le Mans Series

The Asian Le Mans Series will welcome Hypercar entries from 2026 onward, further expanding the reach of the WEC’s top-tier machinery. While the initial grid is expected to be modest perhaps six cars in the first year the move signals a growing appetite for high-performance endurance racing in Asia. Stephane Ratel, who co-manages the series, emphasized that demand from teams and clients is already growing thanks to increased motorsport visibility in the region.

This addition places Hypercars at the top of the Asian Le Mans Series hierarchy, ahead of LMP2 and LMP3 prototypes and GT3 cars. It’s a strategic expansion that aligns with the global popularity of LMH and LMDh platforms and opens new opportunities for teams looking to run competitive machinery outside Europe and North America.