Ameer Randolph
The Supercars Championship, also known as the Repco Supercars Championship under sponsorship and historically as V8 Supercars, is a touring car racing category in Australia and New Zealand. V8 engines have been the only type to power Australian touring cars/Supercars since 1993. In 2009, E85 (a fuel consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded petrol) was introduced to improve the environmental image of the sport. Carbon dioxide emissions decreased by up to 50%, but fuel consumption increased by 30% to produce the same power as before. These cars typically use 76L per 100km (depending on the track) and fuel flows at 3L per second during a pit stop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | E85 (85% ethanol and 15% unleaded petrol) |
| Fuel Consumption | 76L per 100km (varies depending on the track) |
| Fuel Flow Rate | 3L per second during a pit stop |
| Fuel Tank Size | 110L |
| Minimum Fuel Delivery | 120L |
| Fuel Distributor | RaceFuels |
| Fuel for Bathurst 1000 | 45,000 litres of BP Ultimate's E85 blend for 25 Supercars |
| Engine Type | V8 |
| Engine Displacement | 5.0-litre |
| Minimum Car Weight | 1,335 kilograms (excluding fuel) |
| Minimum Driver Weight | 95 kilograms (including racing suit and seat) |
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What You'll Learn
- V8 Supercars use E85 racing fuel, a blend of ethanol and unleaded petrol
- The fuel tank holds 110L, but a minimum delivery of 120L is required, forcing a two-stop strategy
- Fuel economy can be improved at the cost of extreme engine wear, which is regulated
- The introduction of E85 fuel in 2009 increased fuel consumption by 30% to maintain power
- The minimum weight of each car is 1,335 kg, excluding fuel, with a 725 kg minimum load over the front axle
V8 Supercars use E85 racing fuel, a blend of ethanol and unleaded petrol
The use of this fuel blend has resulted in a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, with levels decreasing by up to 50%. However, there has also been an increase in fuel consumption. To produce the same power as before, fuel consumption increased by 30%.
The amount of fuel used by V8 Supercars can vary depending on the track and race strategy. On average, these cars use approximately 76 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. During a pit stop, fuel flows at a rate of 3 litres per second.
At the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, one of the most renowned events in the Supercars Championship, each car is expected to need at least 1800 litres of the E85 blend over the four days of the event. This fuel is provided by RaceFuels, the official fuel distributor to the Supercars Championship, in collaboration with BP.
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The fuel tank holds 110L, but a minimum delivery of 120L is required, forcing a two-stop strategy
The fuel efficiency of V8 Supercars is an important consideration for teams and drivers alike. The fuel tank of a V8 Supercar holds 110 litres, but a minimum delivery of 120 litres is required during a race, which necessitates a two-pit-stop strategy. This minimum delivery rule was implemented to prevent teams from adopting a fuel economy strategy that could provide an advantage to those with larger budgets.
The amount of fuel used by a V8 Supercar varies depending on the track, with these cars typically consuming around 76 litres per 100 kilometres. During a pit stop, fuel flows at a rate of 3 litres per second. At the Bathurst 1000 race, each car is expected to need at least 1800 litres of fuel across four days, with each lap around the Mount Panorama circuit requiring approximately 5.5 litres.
The type of fuel used in V8 Supercars has also evolved over time. Since 2009, E85 fuel, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded petrol, has been introduced to improve the environmental image of the sport. This change resulted in a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions but also led to a 30% increase in fuel consumption to produce the same power as before.
The fuel strategy in V8 Supercars is a critical aspect of the race, with teams and drivers aiming to optimise their fuel usage to gain a competitive edge. The rules and regulations, such as the minimum fuel delivery, play a significant role in shaping these strategies and ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
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Fuel economy can be improved at the cost of extreme engine wear, which is regulated
While V8 supercars are known for their powerful engines and performance, achieving better fuel economy in these vehicles comes at a cost. The extreme engine wear associated with modifications or driving habits aimed at improving fuel efficiency can be detrimental to the longevity of these high-performance machines.
One of the key factors influencing fuel economy in V8 supercars is engine specification. The current V8 supercar engines, such as those found in the Ford Mustang and Holden Commodore, are 5.0-litre engines that have been specifically designed for racing and are fine-tuned for performance. These engines, while powerful, can be fuel-intensive and may not prioritize fuel economy.
To improve fuel efficiency, some drivers may consider modifications or adjustments to their driving habits. For example, maintaining fresh engine oil, a clean air filter, and proper tire pressure can contribute to better fuel economy. Additionally, driving at slightly lower speeds on highways and installing low rolling resistance tires can further enhance fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
However, the pursuit of better fuel economy can have negative consequences on engine wear, especially if unregulated. More drastic measures to improve fuel efficiency, such as replacing O2 sensors and cleaning or replacing MAF sensors, can be effective but may also impact the accuracy of the engine's systems, leading to potential issues over time. Similarly, driving with the air conditioning turned off and windows closed to reduce drag can impact cabin comfort and, if not properly regulated, could lead to extreme engine wear.
To address this challenge, the V8 Supercars organizers have introduced new regulations and specifications over the years to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. In 2013, new specs allowed more car brands to join, and in 2023, the introduction of the 'Gen3' regulations will bring new engine options, showcasing a continued effort to enhance fuel economy without compromising the racing experience and while maintaining engine integrity.
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The introduction of E85 fuel in 2009 increased fuel consumption by 30% to maintain power
E85 is an abbreviation for a blend of fuel that typically consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline or other hydrocarbons by volume. In the United States, the exact ratio of ethanol to gasoline may vary, with the allowable ethanol content in E85 ranging from 51% to 83%. This variation is necessary due to the lower heating value of ethanol, which can make it challenging to start engines in cold climates.
E85 fuel has a higher octane rating than regular gasoline, typically rated at 100 or above, compared to the 87 rating of regular gasoline or 91-93 for premium gasoline. This higher octane rating enables E85 to be used in higher-compression engines, resulting in increased power output per unit of displacement. The Koenigsegg CCXR, for example, demonstrates a 20% increase in horsepower when using E85 fuel compared to gasoline.
However, E85 fuel also has lower energy density than regular gasoline. As a result, a larger volume of E85 fuel is required to produce the same amount of power as gasoline. This increased fuel consumption can be as high as 30% more fuel to achieve the stoichiometric ratio (complete burn) of air:fuel. Consequently, vehicles running on E85 may experience a decrease in fuel economy, with a potential reduction in miles per gallon (MPG) of up to 25%.
In 2009, the introduction of E85 fuel in V8 supercars resulted in a similar increase in fuel consumption. To maintain the same power output, V8 supercars had to burn 30% more fuel, leading to a higher fuel consumption rate. This increase in fuel consumption was a direct result of the switch to E85 fuel, which, despite its higher octane rating, requires a larger volume of fuel to produce equivalent power to gasoline.
While E85 fuel may lead to higher fuel consumption, it also offers certain advantages. E85 fuel has a cooling effect on the engine due to its higher octane rating and the presence of ethanol. This cooling effect can enhance engine performance and increase resistance to knocking. Additionally, E85 fuel is often cheaper than regular gasoline, which can result in cost savings despite the higher fuel consumption.
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The minimum weight of each car is 1,335 kg, excluding fuel, with a 725 kg minimum load over the front axle
The Supercars Championship, also known as the Repco Supercars Championship, is a touring car racing category in Australia and New Zealand. The minimum weight of each car in the championship is 1,335 kg, excluding fuel, and this weight includes the driver and the seat mountings. This means that the weight of the car itself must be at least 1,240 kg, assuming a driver weighs the minimum allowed weight of 95 kg. This minimum weight rule is in place to ensure that all cars have a somewhat similar performance level, as a lighter car would have an unfair advantage over a heavier one.
In addition to the minimum weight rule, there is also a minimum load requirement for the front axle of 725 kg. This rule is in place to ensure that the front axle can support the weight of the car and the driver, and to promote even weight distribution between the front and rear axles.
The minimum weight and load requirements are just a few of the many technical specifications that all Supercars must adhere to. Under the "'Car of the Future' rulebook, all Supercars must run the same set of technical specifications, which includes requirements for the chassis, cooling system, fuel system, electronics system, engine, drivetrain, suspension, wheels, and brake package.
While the minimum weight and load requirements are essential for ensuring safety and fairness in the Supercars Championship, they are just a small part of the complex set of regulations that govern the sport. These regulations have evolved over time, with major changes being implemented to improve safety, reduce costs, and attract new manufacturers to the series.
It's worth noting that the weight and load requirements may vary for different generations of Supercars, such as the Gen 3 cars that were introduced in 2024 and produced about 20% more downforce than their predecessors.
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Frequently asked questions
V8 Supercars use approximately 76L per 100km, with fuel flowing at 3L per second during a pit stop. The minimum fuel drop volume for a race is 120L.
Since 2009, V8 Supercars have used E85 fuel, which consists of 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded petrol.
The switch to E85 fuel was made to improve the environmental image of the sport. Carbon dioxide emissions were decreased by up to 50%.
V8 Supercars have used 5.0-litre V8 engines since 1993. The minimum weight of each car is 1,335 kilograms, excluding fuel, with a minimum load of 725 kg over the front axle.
