Katerina Swanson
The Indy 500 is an annual race that sees sleek cars compete to be the first to cross the finish line. The race is not about the cars or the fuel but rather the drivers and their skills. However, the fuel used in these cars is just as important as horsepower and performance. IndyCars use E85, an Ethanol-based fuel blended with 15% high-octane racing fuel. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common tank to prevent illegal additives. IndyCar engines produce up to 750 horsepower, and the cars can reach speeds of 236 mph. The fuel capacity of an IndyCar is 70 litres or 18.5 gallons.
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What You'll Learn
- IndyCars use E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
- IndyCar fuel tanks can hold 18.5 gallons of gas and are refuelled during pit stops
- IndyCar engines produce up to 750 horsepower, costing $167 per horsepower
- IndyCar fuel is closely monitored by officials to ensure no illegal additives are used
- IndyCar's mobile lab can test fuel samples within 5 minutes, allowing for immediate action if required
IndyCars use E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel
IndyCar racing is a unique motorsport, not only in the nature of the racing itself but also in the fuel used by the cars. IndyCar racing has used an 85% ethanol fuel blend since 2018, with the remaining 15% consisting of high-octane racing fuel. This blend is known as E85.
E85 is a type of flex-fuel, with the ethanol in the blend being derived from corn. The use of ethanol-based fuels in IndyCar racing dates back to 2005, when the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) sponsored IndyCar driver Paul Dana to prove the performance of ethanol as a fuel. The following year, the Indy Racing League adopted a 90% methanol and 10% ethanol mixture, before changing to 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline in 2007.
The switch from methanol to ethanol was made for several reasons. Firstly, methanol burns with an almost invisible flame, which posed a significant safety risk during night races. While additives were introduced to cause the flame to have colour, ethanol burns with a visible flame, making it a safer alternative. In addition, ethanol provides better mileage, allowing fuel tanks to be decreased in size.
Despite its benefits, E85 fuel has failed to catch on with consumers due to its higher cost and decreased fuel efficiency. However, its use in IndyCar racing has helped to shield the sport from criticism by environmental groups and has proven to be a workable fuel for racing teams.
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IndyCar fuel tanks can hold 18.5 gallons of gas and are refuelled during pit stops
IndyCar fuel tanks can hold 18.5 gallons of gas. The fuel used is E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This is in contrast to traditional gasoline, which was phased out of the Indy 500 by 1965. Since then, IndyCar officials have experimented with different blends of methanol and ethanol to arrive at the current formula.
IndyCar engines are state-of-the-art 2.2-liter V6 engines, producing up to 750 horsepower. Despite the high horsepower, the mpg (miles per gallon) for IndyCars is less than 2, resulting in the need for frequent refuelling during pit stops. In fact, during the Indy 500 race, each car consumes about 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons if they complete the race.
The refuelling process during pit stops is a well-coordinated effort by the pit crew, who work swiftly and efficiently to get their drivers back on the track. On average, it takes the pit crew 7 seconds to refuel the car at each stop, demonstrating their skill and precision.
IndyCar races are highly regulated to ensure fairness and safety. The fuel formula is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank. This is to ensure that no team uses illegal additives or gains an advantage by tampering with their fuel supply. PerkinElmer, the official analytical instrumentation and fuel certification sponsor for IndyCar races, plays a crucial role in this process. Their mobile lab, equipped with a Clarus 580 GC system, analyzes fuel samples from the cars to detect any adulteration or modifications.
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IndyCar engines produce up to 750 horsepower, costing $167 per horsepower
IndyCar engines are designed to be cost-effective and accessible, with a focus on competition and fan experience. The engines produce up to 750 horsepower, costing $167 per horsepower, which is significantly more affordable than Formula 1 engines, which cost around $11,000 per horsepower. This cost-efficiency is achieved through a variety of measures, including the use of a single-make chassis formula, which was introduced in 2012, and the use of cost-effective parts.
The ICONIC (Innovative, Competitive, Open-Wheel, New, Industry-Relevant, Cost-Effective) Advisory Committee was instrumental in making cost-effective recommendations, such as the adoption of the Dallara IR-12 chassis, which improved safety and helped control costs. Additionally, IndyCar engines are supplied by only two manufacturers, Honda and Chevrolet, which helps to keep costs down. These engines are state-of-the-art, 2.2-liter V6 engines that are fuel-efficient and powerful, with a maximum speed of 236 mph.
IndyCar engines are also unique in that they use E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This fuel is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to ensure fairness and prevent illegal additives. The fuel economy of IndyCars is approximately four miles per gallon, resulting in a fuel consumption of about 0.6 gallons per lap or 125 gallons for the entire Indy 500 race.
The cost-effective nature of IndyCar engines extends beyond the engine itself, with the annual budget for an IndyCar team being approximately $10 million, in contrast to the higher budgets of Formula One teams, which have a budget cap of $145 million. This budget covers various tracks, testing, engines, and gearboxes for a season, amounting to a total cost of around $3 million for a competitive IndyCar. The cost-efficiency and accessibility of IndyCar engines contribute to the series' surging popularity, providing a unique and challenging experience for both drivers and fans.
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IndyCar fuel is closely monitored by officials to ensure no illegal additives are used
IndyCar racing is a unique motorsport, and this extends to the fuel used by the cars. IndyCar fuel is closely monitored by officials to ensure no illegal additives are used. IndyCar fuel has evolved over the years, with officials experimenting with different blends of methanol and ethanol to arrive at today's formula, known as E85. This blend consists of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel.
The fuel used in IndyCar racing is of utmost importance, just like horsepower and performance. The fuel formula is strictly regulated, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank, ensuring fairness and preventing the use of illegal additives. The fuel tanks are even bolted to the ground to prevent tampering and maintain a level playing field.
The history of IndyCar fuel is quite fascinating. Methanol was the standard fuel choice for IndyCar racing until 2007 when the league began advertising "100% Fuel Grade Ethanol." However, the mixture was actually 98% ethanol and 2% gasoline, added to meet government requirements and enhance flame visibility in case of a fire. Methanol had its advantages, including a higher flash point, ease of extinguishing with water, and invisible burning, which was initially considered a safety feature.
Despite initial concerns about ethanol's impact on engine performance and durability, these proved unfounded. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) actively promoted the use of ethanol in IndyCar racing, and their sponsorship of driver Paul Dana in 2005 helped showcase its potential. Unfortunately, Dana passed away in a crash the following year, but the league had already recognized the benefits of ethanol, and by 2007, it had become the primary fuel source.
IndyCar fuel is closely scrutinized by officials and fuel analysis experts to ensure compliance and fairness. PerkinElmer, the official analytical instrumentation and fuel certification sponsor, employs a Mobile Fuel Analysis Team that attends all 17 IndyCar races. They utilize a Clarus 580 GC (gas chromatography) system to analyze fuel samples from the cars and the common IndyCar tank, ensuring the fuel has not been tampered with. This real-time analysis enables officials to take immediate action if any discrepancies are found, maintaining the integrity of the race.
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IndyCar's mobile lab can test fuel samples within 5 minutes, allowing for immediate action if required
The fuel capacity of an IndyCar is 18.5 gallons. IndyCar racing is unique in that it focuses on the drivers and their skills, rather than the cars or the fuel. However, the fuel used is just as important as horsepower and performance.
IndyCar races use E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% high-octane racing fuel. This fuel blend is closely monitored by IndyCar officials, and each team draws its fuel from the same common fuel tank to ensure no illegal additives are used.
To maintain fairness and integrity in the races, fuel samples are tested to ensure they meet the required specifications and have not been adulterated. This is where PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Lab comes in. The lab is set up in the back of an IndyCar semi-tractor trailer and travels to all 17 IndyCar races to analyze fuel samples.
The lab is equipped with a PerkinElmer Clarus® 580 GC (gas chromatography) system, which can analyze fuel samples within 5 minutes. This quick turnaround time allows league officials to take immediate action if required, rather than waiting until after the race is over. The Clarus GC can test up to 20 cars per event, and it is the only system that provides findings directly on the track.
With the ability to conduct on-site fuel testing, PerkinElmer's Mobile Fuel Analysis Lab plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of IndyCar races, allowing officials to make informed decisions promptly and maintain the focus on the drivers' skills.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel capacity of an Indy car is 70 litres or 18.5 gallons.
Indy cars use E85, an Ethanol-based fuel blended with 15% high-octane racing fuel.
The average cost of E85 gas is $2.49 per gallon, so to fill up a 18.5-gallon tank would cost just under $46.
