Ameer Randolph
The fuel capacity of IndyCar vehicles has changed over the years, with the current capacity set at 18.5 US gallons (70 litres). IndyCar fuel has evolved, from using pure methanol from 1964 to 2007, to adopting ethanol for improved safety. IndyCar vehicles are equipped with two-litre twin-turbo direct-injected V6 engines from Honda or Chevrolet, which are tuned for performance rather than fuel economy. The IndyCar Series is unique in motorsports, with mandated specifications for engines and chassis, and a focus on driver skill.
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What You'll Learn
- IndyCar fuel capacity has changed over the years
- IndyCar fuel is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
- IndyCar fuel tanks are bolted to the ground to prevent tampering
- IndyCar engines are tuned for performance, not fuel economy
- IndyCar fuel is analysed at every race to ensure it hasn't been modified
IndyCar fuel capacity has changed over the years
IndyCar fuel capacity has undergone several changes, with the switch from pure methanol to ethanol in 2007 being a notable one. The change improved safety and mileage, and the current E85 mix contains 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel.
The fuel cell design has also evolved, now featuring a rubber cell covered with a Kevlar-fitted blanket for added side impact protection. IndyCar teams cannot modify their fuel, and PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Team ensures fuel integrity by analysing samples at every race.
IndyCar engines are typically two-litre twin-turbo direct-injected V6 engines, supplied by Honda or Chevrolet. These engines are tuned for performance rather than fuel economy, with an approximate mileage of four miles per gallon.
IndyCar races allow refuelling, and the quick pit crews can fill the 18.5-gallon tank in just seven seconds. The series is known for its exciting displays of team coordination during these pit stops, showcasing the synergy of man and machine in motorsport.
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IndyCar fuel is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
Ethanol is a popular fuel choice worldwide due to its fuel economy and renewability. It can be produced from crops like corn, making it a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gasoline. IndyCar organisers opted for this fuel type to maintain the relevance of the motorsport to everyday life.
The switch from methanol to ethanol also improved safety. Ethanol is less harmful than methanol, which can cause irritation and burns when exposure is high enough. Additionally, ethanol can be extinguished with water, making it a safer choice for racing, especially given the long pit stops and frequent refuelling in IndyCar races.
IndyCar organisers closely monitor the fuel formula to ensure compliance and prevent illegal additives. PerkinElmer, the official analytical instrumentation and fuel certification sponsor for IndyCar, uses a Clarus GC system to analyse fuel samples from each race. This system can detect any anomalies in the fuel within 5 minutes, allowing officials to take immediate action if needed.
IndyCar teams cannot modify the fuel they receive, and strict regulations prohibit adding or removing anything from the series-provided fuel. Despite this, there have been instances of teams attempting to gain an advantage by altering their fuel supply. For example, in 2009, one team was fined for "drying out" their pit fuel supply, which provided their driver with a slight edge.
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IndyCar fuel tanks are bolted to the ground to prevent tampering
The capacity of an IndyCar fuel tank is 18.5 US gallons (70 litres). This figure has changed over the years, with the capacity being 22 US gallons (83 litres) from 2007 to 2011, 30 US gallons (114 litres) from 2004 to 2006, and 35 US gallons (132 litres) from 1997 to 2003.
All teams in the IndyCar Series draw their fuel from a common fuel tank in 'Gasoline Alley'. The fuel tanks are bolted to the ground to prevent teams from gaining a gravitational advantage by tipping the fuel tank during refilling. This measure was implemented to maintain a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the competition.
IndyCar officials closely monitor the fuel formula and fuel tanks to prevent any illegal additives or tampering. PerkinElmer, the official analytical instrumentation and fuel certification sponsor, uses gas chromatography to analyse fuel samples from each race. This ensures that the fuel in the cars has not been adulterated and that no illegal compounds are present.
The IndyCar Series prioritises driver skill and safety, and these strict measures regarding fuel tanks and fuel composition contribute to the fairness and security of the competition.
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IndyCar engines are tuned for performance, not fuel economy
IndyCar engines are designed to extract maximum performance from the fuel, rather than focus on fuel efficiency. This is reflected in the low miles per gallon of the cars, which is approximately four miles per gallon, or even less than two miles per gallon according to some sources. This is in contrast to Formula 1 cars, which have a maximum fuel usage of 110 kilograms (approximately 29 gallons) per race, and NASCAR, which is planning to adopt regenerative braking in a move towards hybrid technology.
IndyCar engines have also historically used different types of fuel compared to F1 cars. IndyCar engines use an 85% mix of ethanol and gasoline, or E85 mix, whereas F1 cars use fuel similar to normal petrol. IndyCar engines originally used pure methanol, but this was changed to ethanol in 2007 for safety reasons. Methanol can be easily extinguished with water, but ethanol is much safer and provides better mileage.
IndyCar races also have different regulations regarding fuel usage. There are no fuel flow restrictions in the IndyCar Series engine configuration, and refuelling during the race is allowed. Each team draws its fuel from a common fuel tank in 'Gasoline Alley', and the tanks are bolted to the ground to ensure fairness and prevent any gravitational advantage.
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IndyCar fuel is analysed at every race to ensure it hasn't been modified
IndyCar teams are prohibited from modifying the fuel they receive, and strict regulations govern the use of fuel. Despite these rules, there have been instances of fuel anomalies in the past. For example, in 2009, IndyCar Director of Engineering/Safety Jeff Horton uncovered that one team had found a way to "dry out" their pit fuel supply, providing an advantage to their driver.
The fuel used in Indy cars is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, also known as an E85 mix. This blend is a significant improvement from the pure methanol used in the series until 2007. The switch to ethanol was made to enhance safety, and IndyCar continues to prioritise safety and sustainability in its fuel choices. For instance, IndyCar has adopted second-generation ethanol made from sugarcane waste, blended with other biofuels, to create a renewable product that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60%.
The fuel cell capacity in IndyCar Series cars has evolved over the years. Since 2012, the capacity has been standardised at 18.5 US gallons (70 litres). Prior to that, the fuel capacity varied, with 22 US gallons (83 litres) from 2007 to 2011, 30 US gallons (114 litres) from 2004 to 2006, and 35 US gallons (132 litres) from 1997 to 2003. The fuel cells are made of rubber and are covered with a Kevlar-fitted blanket, providing additional protection against side impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
An Indy car's fuel capacity is 18.5 US gallons (70 litres).
Yes, the fuel capacity of Indy cars has changed over the years. Previous capacities include 22 US gallons (83 litres) in 2007–2011, 30 US gallons (114 litres) in 2004–2006, and 35 US gallons (132 litres) in 1997–2003.
Indy cars use E85 fuel, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Formula One cars typically have larger fuel tanks than Indy cars, with a capacity of 28.6 gallons. However, Indy cars use ethanol fuel, which has better fuel mileage than other types of fuel such as methanol.
