:quality(70)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-cmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/TBOBTZHFFFJNFYGVE4QBOGHMJU.jpg)
BOSTON (AP) - A new, environmentally friendly auto racing series just got even greener.
Boston Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck and a dozen of his fellow owners in the NBA franchise have invested $21 million into the Formula E electric car racing circuit. The series featuring Formula One-style electric cars traveling at up to 160 mph has already attracted celebrities with environmental interests such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Richard Branson.
Grousbeck told The Associated Press shortly before the deal closed this week that the group will call on its "deep network of NBA and NFL owners" to help the sport succeed in the United States.
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag says the race cars could lead to technology that will eventually show up in street-ready electric cars.
Formula E is slated to debut in Beijing in September and on the streets from Miami to Monaco in a 10-race championship.
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/ZODBGSX3WND25CWYPI4R374CSQ.jfif)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/T26HGA4K5VF4HCECNZ64QJKPCQ.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/KU5E7WVINRGGTPZHMWP6LPSOVM.jpeg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/IWTECV7LPNEVDO2M5OC24TOHEU.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/HWG2MFHQZFEJFBOMFVOVVPBU5Q.jpg)