Katerina Swanson
IndyCar racing has seen a variety of fuels used over the years, from methanol to ethanol, with the latter being the current fuel of choice. IndyCar Series cars are fuelled by E85, an ethanol-based fuel blended with 15% high-octane racing fuel. The 2023 season will see IndyCar introduce a 100% renewable race fuel, with Shell as the official fuel sponsor. This fuel is a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, sourced from Brazil. This move towards sustainability is a significant step forward for IndyCar, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline.
IndyCar Fuel Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Second-generation ethanol, derived from sugarcane waste |
| Other Components | Biofuels, gasoline, methanol |
| Fuel Supplier | Shell USA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 US gallons (70 litres) |
| Engine | 4.0-litre V8, four-stroke piston, Otto cycle methanol-burning |
| Engine Manufacturer | Chevrolet, Honda |
| Fuel Mileage | Less than 2 mpg |
| Fuel Cost | $2.49 per gallon |
| Environmental Impact | 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based gasoline |
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What You'll Learn
IndyCar fuel is 100% renewable race fuel
The use of this renewable fuel enables a reduction of at least 60% in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based gasoline. This development is part of a broader push to decarbonize motorsport and make it more sustainable. The switch to renewable fuel is also a marketing effort to promote education and awareness of ethanol use, as well as to address public concerns about engine damage and poor performance associated with its use in road cars.
The IndyCar Series has a history of utilising different types of fuel. Initially, in 1997, the cars were powered by methanol-burning engines, which provided a safer alternative to gasoline due to its higher flashpoint and ease of extinguishing. However, with the introduction of night races, the burning of methanol fuel became visible, leading to the addition of mixtures for safety. In 2005, the IndyCar team began a transition to ethanol fuel, with a 90%/10% mixture of methanol and ethanol.
The 2007 season marked a significant step forward, as the league advertised "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol," although the actual mixture was 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline. Since then, the IndyCar Series has continued to experiment with different fuel blends, with the 2012 season featuring an 85% ethanol blend. Shell's involvement in the 2023 season marks a return to 100% ethanol-sourced fuel, showcasing the series' commitment to sustainability and innovation.
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IndyCar fuel is derived from sugarcane waste
IndyCar has switched to 100% renewable race fuel, derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels. This fuel is a blend of second-generation ethanol, which is sourced from Brazil. The switch to this new fuel makes IndyCar the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel.
The second-generation ethanol is derived from the waste portion of sugarcane and is a product of a joint venture between Shell and Cosan. Raízen, Brazil's second-largest fuel distribution company, is the leading manufacturer of this sugarcane ethanol in the country. The use of this fuel enables at least a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based gasoline.
The switch to second-generation ethanol is significant because it is produced from waste feedstock rather than the current corn-based or sugar-based ethanol, which is refined from food sources. By using waste, the fuel does not compete with the food chain. This means that it is a more sustainable option, as it does not rely on the same resources needed for food production.
The new fuel has been tested and proven to provide great performance and durability. It has an average octane rating of around 100 and meets the demands of a race weekend without any changes in performance. The specifications are similar to an E85 fuel type.
The use of this 100% renewable race fuel is a step towards decarbonizing motorsport and a proud moment for IndyCar and Shell, who have been working together with IndyCar engine suppliers Chevrolet and Honda to make this possible.
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IndyCar fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60%
IndyCar has taken a significant step towards sustainability and decarbonization by introducing 100% renewable race fuel for the 2023 season. This new fuel blend, developed in partnership with Shell, consists of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, making it entirely renewable.
The use of this renewable race fuel is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline. This substantial reduction in emissions is a crucial step in the right direction for the motorsport industry, which has traditionally been associated with high carbon emissions. By embracing renewable fuel alternatives, IndyCar is leading the way in promoting cleaner energy solutions and demonstrating that performance and sustainability can coexist.
The transition to ethanol-based fuel is not new to IndyCar. In 2006, following a sponsorship deal with the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), IndyCar began a gradual shift from methanol to ethanol fuel. By 2007, the league advertised "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol," although the actual mixture was 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline. This early adoption of renewable fuel technology showcased IndyCar's commitment to exploring sustainable alternatives.
The 2023 season marks a significant milestone, as IndyCar becomes the first United States-based motorsport series to power racing with 100% renewable race fuel. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts between IndyCar, Shell, and engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda. The new fuel blend has undergone rigorous testing and has proven to meet the demands of a race weekend without compromising performance.
The use of second-generation ethanol, sourced from Brazil, is particularly noteworthy. This type of ethanol is derived from the waste portion of sugarcane, showcasing the potential of waste-to-energy solutions. By utilizing sugarcane waste, IndyCar and Shell are not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also promoting the efficient use of resources and supporting the development of a more circular economy.
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IndyCar fuel is supplied by Shell
The new Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel is a result of a joint venture between Shell and Cosan, with Raízen, Brazil's second-largest fuel distribution company, playing a critical role as the leading manufacturer of sugarcane ethanol. This collaboration ensures a sustainable and high-performance fuel source for IndyCar racing.
Shell's renewable race fuel powers all competing vehicles in the IndyCar Series, including engine suppliers Chevrolet and Honda. The fuel has been successfully tested and approved by both manufacturers, demonstrating no changes in performance despite the switch to a sustainable alternative. This achievement highlights Shell's ability to innovate and meet the demands of racing while reducing environmental impact.
The use of this fuel is a significant step towards decarbonizing motorsport and aligns with IndyCar's sustainability initiatives. By utilizing renewable race fuel, IndyCar and Shell are actively reducing the carbon footprint within the racing industry and contributing to more sustainable motorsports in North America. Shell's involvement in motorsports allows them to test fuel and lubricant technologies in demanding conditions, with the learnings transferred to their road-going products.
The introduction of Shell's 100% renewable race fuel in IndyCar showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility and performance. By adopting sustainable practices and innovative fuel technology, IndyCar and Shell are leading the way toward a greener future for motorsports while maintaining the high-octane racing experience expected by fans.
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IndyCar fuel tanks can hold 18.5 gallons of gas
The use of ethanol-based fuel in IndyCar racing has evolved over the years, with the 2006 season introducing a 90%/10% mixture of methanol and ethanol. IndyCar then became the first competitive series to utilize 100% renewable fuel in 2007, with a mixture of 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline. This shift towards ethanol was sponsored by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC), a consortium of ethanol producers advocating for increased ethanol use and addressing public concerns about engine damage and poor performance.
In 2012, the ethanol fuel blend rate was reduced to an 85% blend, and Speedway LLC took over as the official fuel supplier in 2019, retaining the E85 formula. For the 2023 season, Shell USA introduced 100% renewable race fuel for the first time since 2011, marking a return to a fully renewable race fuel. This second-generation ethanol is derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline.
The IndyCar fuel tanks' capacity of 18.5 gallons is crucial in ensuring that the cars can complete the race distance while optimizing weight distribution. With the low miles per gallon (mpg) of less than 2 for IndyCars, efficient fuel usage becomes a strategic consideration for pit crews and drivers during races.
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Frequently asked questions
Indy cars use E85, an ethanol-based fuel blended with 15% high-octane racing fuel.
Yes, the type of fuel used by Indy cars has evolved over the years. Initially, in 1997, IRL cars were powered by methanol-burning engines. In 2006, a transition to ethanol fuel began, with a 90%/10% mixture of methanol and ethanol. In 2007, the league started advertising "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol," although the actual mixture was 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline.
Since 2023, Shell USA, the North American division of Shell plc, has supplied 100% ethanol-sourced fuel for the IndyCar Series. Shell works in collaboration with IndyCar engine suppliers Chevrolet and Honda.
Ethanol-based fuel offers several advantages over methanol. It provides better fuel mileage, resulting in smaller fuel tanks in the cars. Additionally, ethanol is less irritating to human contact, less caustic, and less polluting when spilled compared to methanol.
