Rajan Wilcox
IndyCar racing vehicles use a unique type of fuel that is specifically designed to work with their powerful engines. IndyCar fuel has been meticulously researched and developed to achieve optimal performance and efficiency. The fuel used in these racing cars is just as important as horsepower and performance. In 2007, IndyCar switched to E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel, to enhance safety and environmental sustainability. This marked a shift from the previously used pure methanol, which burned with an almost invisible flame, posing significant risks in the event of a crash. IndyCar, in collaboration with Shell, continues to pioneer the use of renewable fuels, with the 2023 season introducing Shell's 100% renewable race fuel sourced from Brazilian sugarcane bagasse and other renewable components.
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What You'll Learn
IndyCar fuel is different from road-going production vehicles
IndyCar fuel is different from the fuel used in road-going production vehicles. IndyCar vehicles have larger, more powerful engines that require a suitable fuel to meet their demands. The primary criterion for the fuel is its ability to work with the engine. The fuel needs to produce maximum power for the engine without consuming more resources, thus creating an efficient yet fast car.
IndyCar fuel has been meticulously developed and researched to work in perfect harmony with the cars. The series originally used pure methanol, but in 2007, IndyCar switched to ethanol-based fuel, which is much safer and provides better mileage. This fuel is known as E85 and consists of 85% renewable corn-based ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. The ethanol used in IndyCar contains Brazilian ethanol sourced from sugarcane bagasse, provided by Shell.
The switch to ethanol-based fuel was also made to make the races safer and more environmentally friendly. The issue with methanol is that it burns with an almost invisible flame, which poses a significant risk in the event of a fire. To address this, additives were introduced to give the fuel colour when it burned. However, ethanol is a more renewable and safer source, making it a more suitable option for IndyCar racing.
IndyCar is a unique motorsport, and this extends not only to the racing itself but also to the fuel used by the cars. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each IndyCar team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to ensure that no illegal additives are used.
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E85 fuel is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
IndyCar racing vehicles use E85 fuel, which consists of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This ethanol is primarily derived from renewable corn or sugarcane bagasse. The switch to ethanol-based fuel was made in 2007 to enhance safety and environmental friendliness.
E85 fuel is specifically designed to meet the unique demands of IndyCar vehicles, which have larger and more powerful engines. The primary criterion for the fuel is its ability to work in harmony with the engine, maximising power while maintaining efficiency. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, ensuring that each team utilises the same common fuel tank to prevent the use of illegal additives.
The history of IndyCar fuel is quite intriguing, with IndyCar officials experimenting over time. Initially, IndyCar vehicles used pure methanol, which was phased out due to its nearly invisible flame, posing risks during night races. To address this issue, IndyCar introduced additives to colour the flames, improving visibility in the event of a fire.
However, ethanol emerged as a safer and more renewable alternative to methanol, leading to the adoption of the E85 fuel mixture in 2007. This blend not only enhances safety but also provides better mileage. Additionally, the inclusion of a small amount of gasoline ensures visible flames in the event of a fire, addressing the previous challenges with invisible flames during crashes.
In 2023, IndyCar took another significant step forward by introducing Shell's 100% renewable race fuel as the official fuel of the NTT IndyCar Series. This fully renewable fuel, sourced entirely by Shell, marked a new era in the pursuit of sustainability and environmental responsibility in motorsports.
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IndyCar switched to ethanol-based fuel in 2007 for safety and environmental reasons
IndyCar vehicles have large, powerful engines that require specialised fuel to meet their performance demands. IndyCar switched to ethanol-based fuel in 2007 for safety and environmental reasons.
Prior to 2007, IndyCar racing vehicles used pure methanol fuel. However, there were significant safety concerns associated with methanol as a racing fuel. Methanol fires burned with barely visible flames, making it extremely difficult to avoid, fight, and extinguish them. This posed a serious risk to drivers, crew, and spectators in the event of a crash or other incident.
The switch to ethanol-based fuel, specifically E85, addressed these safety concerns. E85 fuel consists of 85% renewable corn-based ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. By including a small amount of gasoline, the fuel produces visible flames in case of a fire, making it safer for the IndyCar community. Additionally, ethanol-based fuel offers better mileage, allowing for a reduction in fuel tank sizes.
In addition to safety, the switch to ethanol-based fuel was motivated by environmental considerations. Ethanol can be produced from corn and other plant-based waste products, making it a more renewable and environmentally friendly option than traditional gasoline. The adoption of E85 fuel reduced IndyCar's overall carbon footprint and aligned with a broader shift towards more sustainable practices in motorsports.
Since 2007, IndyCar has continued to evolve its fuel usage. In 2018, the ethanol blend was adjusted to 85%, and in 2023, IndyCar introduced 100% renewable race fuel sourced from Brazilian sugarcane bagasse and other biofuels. Looking to the future, IndyCar is expected to transition to hybrid powertrains and eventually all-electric vehicles, further demonstrating their commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
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IndyCar fuel is sourced by Shell
IndyCar vehicles have larger, more powerful engines that require a suitable fuel to meet their demands. The fuel must produce maximum power for the engine without taking up more resources, thus creating an efficient yet fast car. IndyCar fuel has been developed and researched meticulously to work in harmony with the cars.
Shell's 100% renewable race fuel has enabled a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with a decrease of at least 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline. This fuel is the 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.
The introduction of this fuel demonstrates IndyCar's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization. By partnering with industry leaders like Shell, IndyCar has become a pioneer in the adoption of renewable race fuel, setting a precedent for motorsports to embrace cleaner energy alternatives.
The use of Shell's 100% renewable race fuel in IndyCar showcases the potential for fuels technology to drive decarbonization in the sport. It serves as a testing ground for fuel innovations, pushing the boundaries of performance and sustainability.
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IndyCar vehicles have larger, more powerful engines
The primary criterion for the fuel is its ability to work with the engine, and IndyCar officials have experimented with various blends to arrive at the current official fuel formula, E85. This fuel consists of 85% renewable corn-based ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. The ethanol used in E85 is sourced from sugarcane bagasse and is provided by Shell, who has been supplying 100% renewable race fuel to IndyCar since 2023.
The switch to ethanol-based fuel was made in 2007, as ethanol is safer than methanol and provides better mileage. Additionally, ethanol burns with a visible flame, whereas methanol burns with an almost invisible flame, which can be dangerous during night races. IndyCar was the first racing series to introduce this renewable fuel, showcasing its commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from a common fuel tank to ensure no illegal additives are used. With a total fuel capacity of 18.5 US gallons, IndyCar vehicles showcase the perfect harmony between powerful engines and precisely formulated fuel, resulting in an exciting and unique motorsport experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Indy cars use a type of fuel known as E85, which is a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel.
The fuel used in Indy cars is not the same as the fuel used in standard road-going vehicles. Indy car engines are larger and more powerful, requiring a specialised fuel blend to meet their unique demands.
Indy cars originally used pure methanol, but this was phased out in favour of ethanol due to safety concerns. Methanol burns with an almost invisible flame, which can be dangerous during night races.
Shell provides the fuel for Indy cars. As of 2023, they have been supplying 100% renewable race fuel, sourced primarily from Brazilian sugarcane bagasse.
