Beginning in 2006, Indy 500, IndyCar Series Will Use Ethanol - aftermarketNews

Beginning in 2006, Indy 500, IndyCar Series Will Use Ethanol

When the Indy Racing League kicks of the 2006 season of the IndyCar Series, the cars racing in the series will be partly fueled by ethanol. Ethanol is an alcohol derived primarily from grain. As a clean-burning and renewable fuel that is non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable, it reduces harmful air pollution and improves racing’s environmental footprint. Its high octane rating delivers strong engine performance by helping engines resist detonation so they can run higher compression ratios.

WASHINGTON, DC — When the Indy Racing League kicks of the 2006 season of the IndyCar Series, the cars racing in the series will be partly fueled by ethanol.

Ethanol is an alcohol derived primarily from grain. As a clean-burning and renewable fuel that is non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable, it reduces harmful air pollution and improves racing’s environmental footprint. Its high octane rating delivers strong engine performance by helping engines resist detonation so they can run higher compression ratios.

Race car engines operating on ethanol have demonstrated excellent performance due to the fuel’s high octane content. IndyCar Series cars have run on methanol fuel since the late 1960s, and will continue to do so during the 2005 season. Internal dynamometer testing has shown that there are no technical barriers to replacing methanol with ethanol.

The target for the 2006 season is a maximum blend of 90 percent methanol and 10 percent ethanol for the IndyCar Series. This percentage of ethanol corresponds with ethanol blend commonly available to consumers at gas stations. Blend specifics will be determined in cooperation with the league’s 2006 engine manufacturer partners.

Beginning in 2007, the fuel will be 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in IndyCar Series cars, the same fuel that has the potential to replace at least 10 percent of the nation’s gasoline supply.

The 2006 season will not be the first time ethanol fuel has powered a car in the famed Indianapolis 500. At the 1927 race, a car driven by Leon Duray was fueled by ethyl (grain) alcohols.

“Ethanol has long been common in many Midwest markets, and over the last several years it has succeeded in meeting market demand in California and the Northeast,” said Dave Vander Griend, president of ICM, Inc. “Production capacity for ethanol is keeping pace with the increased demand for quality fuel additives, and we are partnering with our petroleum customers as we move into new markets. We are extremely proud of this partnership with the IndyCar Series, and are eager to demonstrate the quality and performance of our product on the world stage.”

To help build anticipation and awareness for this significant milestone among the IndyCar Series’ dedicated fans, the ethanol industry is sponsoring one entry in this year’s IndyCar Series lineup. The No. 91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Dallara/Toyota/Firestone entry will be driven by Paul Dana. Team owner Ron Hemelgarn was one of the founding members of the Indy Racing League, and his cars won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and the 2000 IndyCar Series Championship.

For more information about the Indy Racing League, go to: www.indycar.com.

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.

You May Also Like

MAHLE Showcases Products, Hosts Training at PRI

The company’s seminar on bearing trauma and engine harmonics featured appearances by motorsports figures Antron Brown, Ron Capps and teams from Tony Stewart Racing and John Force Racing.

MAHLE-PRI-Seminar-

At the 2023 Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis, MAHLE Aftermarket presented its range of performance parts, including pistons, rings, gaskets, engine bearings and shop equipment. The company also held a seminar on bearing trauma and engine harmonics and featured appearances by motorsports figures Antron Brown, Ron Capps and teams from Tony Stewart Racing and John Force Racing. Winners of MAHLE's engine giveaway were also invited to the event for a special meeting with the company's partners.

Dayco, NHRA’s Tony Stewart Racing Continue Partnership for 2024

Dayco blower belts are the “belt of choice” for the team’s Funny Car and Top Fuel Dragster.

JEGS Adopts PDM Automotive to Improve Customer Experience

PDM will support JEGS’ focus on streamlining operations and creating a more integrated, seamless customer experience. 

Aeromotive Group, Roadster Shop Merge

The Aeromotive Group and Roadster Shop have merged and will operate under the name Roadster Shop.

Newly combined company will be branded Roadster Shop
MAHLE Aftermarket Renews Sponsorship with Midnight Motorsports

This is the second consecutive year that MAHLE has renewed its sponsorship with the Sidney, Illinois-based team.

Other Posts

Stanadyne Partners with Wesley Motorsports

Wesley will use Stanadyne’s 350-bar, high-flow GDI pumps on its custom-built T6 Hurricane HO engine.

Raybestos Announces 2023 Racing Sponsorships

Raybestos is sponsoring the Sally McNulty and Team Infamous (driver Derek Madison) teams for the 2023 race season.

Turn 14 Distribution Purchases Tucker Powersports

It will acquire Tucker’s inventory, intellectual property and private-label brands, including Answer Racing and QuadBoss.

Gates Launches CVT Belt for Off-Road Vehicles

Gates has expanded its G-Force product portfolio with the WorkHorse CVT belt for UTVs and ATVs.

GATES WORKFORCE