Regan Brown
The Indy 500 is an annual race that sees sleek cars compete to be the first to cross the famed Yard of Bricks. The race is not about the cars or the fuel, but rather the drivers and their skills. Indy cars run on E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to prevent illegal additives. Beginning in 2023, IndyCar will use 100% renewable fuel, with Shell's 100% Renewable Race Fuel powering all competing vehicles. This fuel contains a significant mix of second-generation ethanol, derived from the waste portion of sugarcane, combined with another renewable component to create a 100% renewable formulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel |
| Fuel Source | Second-generation ethanol derived from the waste portion of sugarcane |
| Fuel Supplier | Shell |
| Fuel Tank | Each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to prevent the use of illegal additives |
| Chassis | Carbon-fiber |
| Engine Weight | 1,580 lbs |
| Engine Type | Two-liter twin-turbo direct-injected V-6 engines |
| Engine Manufacturer | Chevrolet or Honda |
| Fuel Consumption | 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons for the entire Indy 500 race |
| Fuel Analysis | PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Team uses gas chromatography to analyze fuel samples |
| Fuel Renewal | 100% renewable fuel to be introduced in 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
- IndyCars run on E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
- The fuel is monitored by officials, with all teams drawing from a common fuel tank
- IndyCar drivers must also focus on their nutrition and hydration strategy
- Hydration systems are built into the helmet, with bite-down drink tubes
- IndyCar will use 100% renewable fuel from 2023, reducing emissions by 60%
IndyCars run on E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
The fuel used in IndyCar races is just as important as horsepower and performance. IndyCar officials phased out the use of traditional gasoline by 1965 and have since experimented with different blends of methanol and later ethanol to arrive at today's official fuel formula known as E85. IndyCar Series is all about the drivers and their skills, not the cars or the fuel, according to officials.
IndyCars feature two-litre twin-turbo direct-injected V-6 engines made by either Chevrolet or Honda. These engines are optimized for performance and average about four miles per gallon. During the Indy 500 race, each car consumes about 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons if they complete the race.
In addition to the fuel used in the cars, IndyCar drivers' nutrition and hydration strategies are also critical to their performance. Drivers consume a meal high in carbs and protein a few hours before the race and a small carbohydrate snack within an hour of the start. During the race, it is challenging to eat, so proper pre-fuelling is essential. Hydration is also key, as drivers can lose up to 5-10 pounds of sweat during a race due to high temperatures inside the car. Sports drinks and sodium sweat testing help drivers maintain optimal hydration and performance.
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The fuel is monitored by officials, with all teams drawing from a common fuel tank
The Indy 500 race has a long history of experimenting with different fuel blends. Traditional gasoline was phased out by 1965, and officials have since experimented with blends of methanol and ethanol. Today, Indy cars run on a fuel formula known as E85, which is closely monitored by IndyCar officials.
E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. The fuel used in the Indy 500 is of utmost importance, as the race requires an incredible amount of fuel to complete. Each car consumes about 0.6 gallons per lap, or 125 gallons if they complete the race.
To ensure fairness, IndyCar teams draw their fuel from the same common fuel tank. This tank is bolted to the ground to prevent any tampering or advantage-seeking by teams. The fuel is analysed by PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Team, who use a gas chromatography system to ensure that no illegal additives have been introduced.
Beginning in 2023, IndyCar will use 100% renewable fuel, developed in partnership with Shell. This fuel is derived from the waste portion of sugarcane and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline.
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IndyCar drivers must also focus on their nutrition and hydration strategy
The fuel used in IndyCar races is just as important as the cars' horsepower and performance. Since 1965, IndyCar has phased out the use of traditional gasoline, instead opting for blends of methanol and ethanol, to arrive at today's official fuel formula, E85. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel.
However, it's not just the cars that need fuelling—IndyCar drivers must also focus on their nutrition and hydration strategy. Motorsports athletes are some of the fittest humans, requiring a high level of fitness and health to remain competitive. Therefore, a specific nutrition and hydration plan is needed for each driver.
Nutrition and hydration plans for IndyCar drivers are tailored to their individual needs and the events they are taking part in. The timing of these plans is also vital to providing the best results. For example, slower-release carbohydrates like sweet potato, quinoa, and pasta help drivers maintain alertness during long stints, while simple carbohydrates and healthy sugars are needed for quick bursts of energy.
Hydration is key for IndyCar drivers, who need to maintain focus and energy throughout the race. With temperatures inside the car reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, drivers can lose up to 10 pounds of sweat during a two- to three-hour race. To stay hydrated, drivers consume sports drinks tailored to their individual needs, with the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates. Sodium sweat testing is an essential tool to help drivers optimise their hydration strategy and gain a competitive edge.
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Hydration systems are built into the helmet, with bite-down drink tubes
Hydration is a critical aspect of an IndyCar driver's performance. With cockpit temperatures reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, drivers can lose up to 5-10 pounds of sweat during a race. To address this, hydration systems are built into the helmet, featuring a drink tube connected to a bladder filled with a sports drink. This setup allows drivers to stay hydrated without removing their hands from the steering wheel.
The bladder contains a limited amount of fluid and is not refilled during the race, emphasizing the importance of pre-race hydration and nutrition. Pre-race meals, typically consumed 2-3 hours before the start, are composed of carbs, protein, and minimal fat or fiber to prevent stomach issues during the race. Additionally, drivers may have a small carbohydrate snack within an hour of the race.
Sodium sweat testing plays a crucial role in optimizing hydration strategies. By understanding their sweat sodium concentration, drivers can develop personalized hydration plans that enhance performance, aid recovery, and mitigate health risks. This testing provides insights into the right balance of electrolytes and carbohydrates for each driver, ensuring their individual needs are met.
The transition to 100% renewable race fuel in the 2023 season further underscores the IndyCar Series' commitment to sustainability and innovation. This fuel, developed by Shell, is a mix of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and another renewable component, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline.
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IndyCar will use 100% renewable fuel from 2023, reducing emissions by 60%
IndyCar will introduce 100% renewable fuel for its racing cars from 2023, marking a new era of sustainability for the series. Developed by Shell, the fuel is a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, creating a formulation that contains zero fossil-based molecules.
The use of this renewable fuel will enable a reduction of at least 60% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based gasoline. This initiative is a significant step towards decarbonising motorsport and aligns with Shell's sustainability goals, including its ambition to become a Carbon Net Zero company by 2050.
The second-generation ethanol is sourced from Raízen, a joint venture between Shell and Cosan, which is Brazil's leading manufacturer of sugarcane ethanol and the world's largest sugarcane ethanol producer and exporter. By utilising waste feedstock, the fuel production process avoids competing with the food chain, ensuring sustainability and minimising environmental impact.
The introduction of this renewable fuel is a testament to IndyCar's commitment to sustainability, building upon existing initiatives such as the use of carbon-neutral Pennzoil Synthetics 0W oils and the adoption of electric vehicles for tyre deliveries. IndyCar's partnership with Shell will continue to drive innovation in sustainability, with plans to explore further initiatives together.
The 2023 season, starting in March, will be a landmark for IndyCar as it showcases the performance and sustainability of the new fuel blend, attracting fans and promoting a greener future for motorsport.
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Frequently asked questions
Indy cars run on a fuel formula known as E85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel.
The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to ensure that no illegal additives are used.
Shell provides the 100% renewable race fuel for the IndyCar Series as of 2023.
