It’s the most divisive issue in the motorcycle community. The conversation about electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) powered motorcycles somehow often devolves into a cursing and shouting match. Some believe electric motorcycles are the future, while others believe internal combustion is far superior. So which is correct?

Well, one way to settle which is “better” in certain parameters is through racing. After all, KTM has made its now very significant mark using its “Ready To Race” campaign. And if their sales are any indicator, competition improves the breed.

So does it make sense to race your company’s electric motorcycle against what could be considered their ICE counterparts?Energicaapparently thought so and entered anEnergica Eva Rebelle RSelectric bike intoMotoAmerica’s 2023 Mission Foods Super Hooligan National Championshipat Daytona International Speedway.

With Colombian rider Stefano Mesa at the helm, Energica’s Eva Ribelle placed seventh and fifth in the series’ first two races. As its first race outing, those finishes seem to be an impressive start for the electric motorcycle.

Unfortunately, Energica did not provide details on the spec of its racing Eva Ribelle. Still, finishing seventh and fifth, respectively, in a 20+ bike field would indicate that some electric motorcycles have the pace to compete with their ICE counterparts—albeit under tightly controlled conditions.

So what do you think about electric motorcycles competing head-to-head with ICE motorcycles? Should they remain in ICE competition, or should they stay in electric motorcycle-only series like MotoE, etc.? Let us know in the comments below..