The Datsun ran 10.2 seconds last year. I fully expect it to break into the 9s this season. A 10 second run would beat your 11 second Vette by how many lengths?? Considering we're at 120+ MPH, that 1 second difference is a bunch.
Polution?? Consider that the car is based in the Pacific NW. Although some coal fired electricity makes its way from MT to there, there is a lot of hydro power there, so I don't know that you can say with any certainty how much if any of the juice is coal based.
Don't get confused on the environmental impacts of LiPo batteries. All the studies I've read suggest that they're relatively benign in that aspect. Much cleaner than lead or nickel.