Ameer Randolph
The Indy 500 is one of the most iconic races in the world, with drivers reaching speeds of over 200 mph. The race is about more than just speed, however, and requires an incredible amount of skill, stamina, teamwork, and fuel. In fact, the fuel used is just as important as horsepower and performance. Indy cars have used a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, known as E85, since traditional gasoline was phased out in 1965. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to ensure no illegal additives are used. With engines optimized for performance, Indy cars average about four miles per gallon, consuming about 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons if they complete the race.
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What You'll Learn
- Indy cars use E85 fuel, a blend of ethanol and racing fuel
- Indy car fuel tanks are bolted to the ground to prevent tampering
- Indy car fuel is analysed by PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Team
- Indy car drivers have specific nutrition and hydration strategies
- Indy cars ran on renewable biofuel for the first time in 2020
Indy cars use E85 fuel, a blend of ethanol and racing fuel
Indy cars use E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This blend is closely monitored by IndyCar officials to ensure that no illegal additives are used. The use of ethanol fuel in IndyCar racing has been a source of competition and debate. While it has been praised for its contribution to green initiatives, it has also faced criticism for its higher cost and decreased fuel efficiency compared to traditional gasoline.
The history of fuel usage in IndyCar racing has evolved over time. Initially, IndyCar Series cars used methanol racing fuel, which was the standard in American open-wheel racing due to its higher flash point and ease of extinguishment with water. However, with the introduction of night races in 1997, the burning of methanol fuel became visible, creating a need for a colourless burn during daylight hours for safety reasons.
In 2005, the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) sponsored an IndyCar team, advocating for the increased use of ethanol. This marked the beginning of a transition to ethanol fuel, with the 2006 season featuring a 90%/10% mixture of methanol and ethanol. In 2007, IndyCar advertised "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol," becoming the first competitive series to utilise renewable fuel. Despite being marketed as 100% ethanol, the mixture actually contained 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline, with additives to satisfy government requirements and ensure visible colour in case of fire.
The adoption of E85 fuel by IndyCar in 2012 was influenced by political support for ethanol and the desire to showcase its feasibility in high-performance motor racing. While E85 fuel has faced challenges in gaining consumer acceptance due to its higher cost and lower fuel efficiency, it has helped IndyCar maintain stable costs and shield itself from criticism by environmental groups.
In terms of fuel capacity, IndyCar Series cars have had varying fuel tank capacities over the years. Since 2012, the capacity has been standardised at 18.5 US gallons (70 litres). Prior to that, the fuel tank capacities ranged from 22 US gallons (83 litres) in 2007-2011 to 35 US gallons (132 litres) in 1997-2003.
Indy cars are known for their impressive performance, with top speeds reaching up to 235-240 mph on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval layout. The fuel efficiency of these high-performance vehicles is approximately four miles per gallon, resulting in fuel consumption of about 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons for the entire Indy 500 race.
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Indy car fuel tanks are bolted to the ground to prevent tampering
The Indy 500 is one of the most iconic races in the world, with drivers reaching speeds of over 200 mph. It is a true test of driver skill, endurance, and teamwork. To reach the finish line, drivers and their teams must carefully plan their fuel and hydration strategies.
Indy cars are powered by a unique fuel blend, E85, which is a mix of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This blend is closely monitored by IndyCar officials to ensure compliance and performance. The fuel formula has evolved over time, with officials experimenting with different blends of methanol and ethanol before settling on the current E85 formula.
Indy car racing is not just about the cars and fuel but also about the drivers and their skills. To support the drivers, teams employ various strategies for nutrition and hydration. Before the race, drivers consume a meal high in carbohydrates and protein, followed by a small carbohydrate snack within an hour of the start. During the race, it is challenging to eat, so proper pre-fueling is crucial. After the race, recovery drinks and snacks aid in muscle recovery and rehydration.
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Indy car fuel is analysed by PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Team
Indy car racing is a high-octane sport that requires an incredible amount of skill, stamina, teamwork, and guts. The fuel used in these racing cars is just as important as horsepower and performance. The Indy-sanctioned fuel is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, also known as E85.
The PerkinElmer Mobile Fuel Analysis Team has been the official analytical instrumentation and fuel certification sponsor for the INDYCAR races since the late 1960s. The team works across all 17 INDYCAR races to analyse fuel samples and ensure that the fuel in the cars has not been modified in any way.
The current equipment used by the PerkinElmer team includes a PerkinElmer Clarus® 580 GC (gas chromatography) system with a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) that is part of a mobile lab set up in the back of an INDYCAR semi-tractor trailer. The mobile lab can test up to 20 cars per event, typically testing the top six or seven cars for the race and then the top six in the qualifying round. This adds up to about 30 GC analyses per event.
The Clarus GC can analyse the fuel within 5 minutes, allowing PerkinElmer to provide findings to league officials right on the track so that they can take immediate action if required. This makes PerkinElmer the only company that can provide real-time insights to officials, setting them apart from other fuel analysis providers at race events.
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Indy car drivers have specific nutrition and hydration strategies
Indy car races, such as the Indy 500, are fast-paced and gruelling, with drivers reaching speeds of over 200 mph. To perform at their best, drivers need to ensure they have the energy and focus to make it to the finish line. This is where specific nutrition and hydration strategies come into play.
Nutrition strategies for Indy car drivers involve careful planning of meals and snacks before and during the race. Typically, a meal high in carbs and protein and low in fat and fibre is consumed 2-3 hours before the race to prevent any stomach upset. A small carb-based snack is eaten within an hour of the race, and liquid complex carbs are used for drivers who struggle to eat solid food. As it is challenging to eat during the race, pre-fuelling is crucial to ensure comfort and energy throughout, with strategies adapted based on the race duration and track temperature.
Hydration is also a critical aspect of an Indy car driver's performance strategy. Drivers can lose up to eight pounds of body weight in sweat during a race, so maintaining hydration is essential for focus and energy. Hydration protocols involve pre-race weigh-ins, electrolyte balance, and fluid loading. In-car hydration systems provide drivers with water mixed with vitamins, minerals, and/or glucose, ensuring they stay hydrated during the race.
Post-race recovery is equally important, with drivers focusing on rehydration and consuming the right calories to prepare for the next event. Structured eating, rest, and routine are key components of the recovery process, helping drivers maintain their health and performance over multiple races.
Indy car racing demands a lot from the drivers, both physically and mentally, and a well-planned nutrition and hydration strategy is vital to success and overall health.
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Indy cars ran on renewable biofuel for the first time in 2020
Indy cars have been using E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, since traditional gasoline was phased out in 1965. During the Indy 500 race, each car consumes about 0.6 gallons of fuel per lap or 125 gallons for the entire race.
In 2020, for the first time in the 107-year history of the classic American motorsports event, the Indy cars ran on 100% renewable biofuel. This fuel is made entirely from agricultural and food waste. The switch to renewable biofuel is a significant step towards sustainability and technology, with a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based gasoline.
Indy cars will continue to run on 100% renewable biofuel in the 2023 season, with Shell as the new fuel supplier. The fuel, developed by Shell, is a mix of second-generation ethanol derived from the waste portion of sugarcane and another renewable component. This formulation falls in line with the performance of the current E85 fuel while replacing the gasoline component with a renewable alternative.
The use of 100% renewable biofuel in the 2023 season will make IndyCar the first major North American racing series to adopt fuel made entirely from agricultural and food waste. This initiative showcases IndyCar's commitment to sustainability and innovation, with the potential to inspire further advancements in the motorsports industry and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Indy cars hold about 40 gallons of fuel, though the fuel used is not traditional gasoline but a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, also known as E85.
During a race, it is difficult for drivers to get any fuel in. Hence, pre-fuelling is essential to ensure that they are comfortable for the duration of the race. Indy cars feature a drink tube connected to a bladder with a sports drink mounted to the car. Drivers can either bite down on the drink tube or press a button on the wheel to shoot the electrolyte solution into their mouths.
Within an hour of the race, drivers consume a small carbohydrate snack. For drivers who struggle with solid food, this is replaced with liquid complex carbs in the form of a Super High Carb Mix.
