Mercedes Mullins
IndyCar racing is a high-speed, high-energy sport that requires a lot of planning, time, money, and resources. One of the most important considerations for both drivers and their pit crews is their nutrition and hydration strategy, which is key to maintaining the energy and focus needed to perform well during races. In addition to human fuel, IndyCar engines also require a lot of fuel to run. IndyCar engines have used various fuels over the years, including methanol, a safer alternative to gasoline, and E85, a mix of 85% corn-based ethanol and gasoline. Beginning in 2023, IndyCar will become the first North American racing series to use 100% renewable fuel in its race cars, with Shell providing a low-carbon fuel blend derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels.
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What You'll Learn
Indy cars use E85 fuel, a mix of ethanol and gasoline
IndyCar Series cars have used an 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline blend, or E85 mix, since 2018. This blend is also used in road cars, with motorsport attempting to stay relevant to everyday life. The E85 mix is also 100% renewable, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline.
Indy cars originally used pure methanol, which was chosen over gasoline due to a fiery crash at the 1964 Indianapolis 500 that killed two drivers. However, in 2007, IndyCar switched to ethanol, which is safer than methanol and provides better mileage. The switch also allowed fuel tanks to be decreased in size, from 114 litres to 83 litres.
Prior to the adoption of the 85% ethanol blend, IndyCar used a 98% ethanol blend with 2% gasoline in 2007, and a 90% methanol and 10% ethanol mixture in 2006. The addition of gasoline to the 98% ethanol blend met a rule that prevented the fuel from being deemed fit for human consumption and added a visible colour to the flame in the event of a fire.
IndyCar's embrace of ethanol has been praised as a great PR move, shielding the series from the wrath of green groups and allowing them to answer their critics. The use of ethanol has also kept costs stable, as it can be used with some technical tweaks in familiar V-6 racing engines.
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IndyCar engines are rev-limited to 10,300 rpm and produce 650 hp
IndyCar Series engines are rev-limited to 10,300 rpm and produce approximately 650 hp. The valve train is a dual overhead camshaft configuration with four valves per cylinder. The crankshaft is made of alloy steel, with five main bearing caps. The pistons are forged from aluminium alloy, while the connecting rods are machined from alloy steel.
The rev limit and power output of IndyCar engines have varied over time. For example, in 1997, IRL cars were introduced with 4.0 L V8 engines, producing around 700 hp and revving up to 10,500 rpm. In 2000, the engine formula changed, reducing the displacement to 3.5L and resulting in an output of about 675 hp. The current generation of IndyCar engines, introduced in 2012, are 2.2L twin-turbo V6 engines that develop an estimated 550-750 hp depending on boost levels and rev up to 12,000 rpm.
The lack of a fuel limit in IndyCar rules means manufacturers can use as much fuel as needed to achieve the desired performance. This, combined with the high rpm capability of the engines, contributes to the impressive power output of IndyCar engines.
IndyCar engines have also been at the forefront of promoting renewable fuel. In 2005, IndyCar driver Paul Dana brought the sponsorship of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) to his team, marking the beginning of a transition to ethanol fuel. By 2007, the league was advertising "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol," becoming the first competitive series to utilize renewable fuel. IndyCar currently uses an 85% mix of corn-based ethanol and gasoline, and plans to switch to 100% renewable fuel in 2023.
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Indy cars will use 100% renewable fuel from 2023
IndyCar engines have a history of using various fuels. They started with methanol-burning engines in 1997, which were deemed safer than gasoline due to their higher flashpoint and ease of extinguishing. However, the burning of methanol fuel became visible during night races, leading to the addition of colour mixtures for better visibility during daylight races. In 2007, IndyCar switched from pure methanol to an 85% mix of corn-based ethanol and gasoline (E85 mix) for safety reasons, and this remains their current fuel.
The new renewable fuel, developed by Shell in partnership with Cosan and Raízen, will be a significant step forward in sustainability and technology. According to Bassem Kheireddin, Shell's technology manager of motorsports, the fuel blend will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline. This aligns with Shell's goal of achieving net-zero carbon footprint in IndyCar by 2050.
The introduction of 100% renewable fuel in IndyCar showcases the pivotal role of fuel technology in decarbonizing motorsports. It also demonstrates Shell's commitment to innovation and sustainability, with the potential to transfer learnings from the racetrack to their road-going products. This development is expected to have a substantial impact on the sport and sets a precedent for other racing series to follow suit in adopting renewable fuels.
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Methanol racing fuel was used by the IRL from 1997
Methanol (CH3OH) is a less expensive alternative biofuel for internal combustion and other engines, either in combination with gasoline or independently. It is also safer for the environment than gasoline, acts as an anti-freeze agent, prevents dirt and grime buildup within the engine, and has a higher ignition temperature. Methanol can be made from fossil fuels or renewable resources, with most of it currently being made from biomass.
In 2006, the IRL began a transition to ethanol fuel, using a 90%/10% mixture of methanol and ethanol. In 2007, the league switched to "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol", with the actual mixture being 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline. This was done to satisfy the U.S. government's requirement that the alcohol be unfit for human consumption, and to add visible colour in case of a fire. The use of ethanol also resulted in an increase in fuel tank size, as it gets worse fuel mileage than methanol.
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Indy car engines are supplied by Chevrolet and Honda
IndyCar engines are currently supplied by Chevrolet and Honda. Both manufacturers have been working on a new 2.4-litre hybrid V6 powerplant, which was initially proposed in 2019. Chevrolet returned to IndyCar in 2012 after a six-year hiatus, providing all-new, Ilmor-developed and engineered, V6 twin-turbocharged engines. Honda has been supplying engines for IndyCar since 1994 and continues to provide all-new V6 engines, switching from single-turbocharged to twin-turbochargers in 2014.
IndyCar engines have a rich history of development, with various manufacturers contributing to their evolution over the years. Initially, in 1997, IRL cars were powered by 4.0-litre V8, four-stroke piston, methanol-burning engines produced by General Motors (under the Oldsmobile Aurora label) and Nissan (badged as Infiniti). These engines produced around 600-700 hp and were rev-limited to over 10,000 rpm.
In 2003, the displacement was reduced to 3.5 litres, and then further to 3.0 litres in 2004 due to safety concerns. The engines switched to 180° crankshafts, and the rev limits were adjusted over time. Honda played a significant role during this period, freezing the development of their Indy V8 engine from 2009 to 2011 to focus on a new third-generation V6 turbo engine for the 2012 season.
The 2012 season marked the return of Chevrolet to IndyCar and the introduction of the third-generation IndyCar formula, bringing back the engine manufacturer competition. This competition saw Chevrolet utilising the twin-turbocharged configuration, while Honda opted for the single-turbocharger for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
IndyCar engines have continued to evolve, with the 2023 season witnessing a significant shift towards sustainability. IndyCar vehicles switched from an E85 fuel mix to a 100% ethanol-based fuel developed by Shell, reducing their carbon footprint and becoming the first North American racing series to use 100% renewable fuel. Looking ahead to the 2024 season, hybrid systems will be introduced, further emphasising the commitment to innovation and sustainability in IndyCar engine development.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Indy cars are limited to E85, an ethanol-based fuel blended with 15% high-octane racing fuel.
E85 is a blend of 85% mix of corn-based ethanol and gasoline.
Shell is the fuel sponsor for the IndyCar series.
In 2022, Shell announced that IndyCar will be the first North American racing series to use 100% renewable fuel in its race cars.
An Indy car's fuel tank can hold up to 18.5 gallons of gas.
