Officials at a Purdue Research Park-based firm and a nationally renowned racing series are partnering to make green a greater part of the motorsports world.
Swift Enterprises Ltd. is working with the Great American Stockcar Series to produce high-performance green fuel for the Aug. 7 race at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. The fuel was tested at the July 18 Great American Stockcar Series race at Portland International Raceway in Oregon.
Unlike traditional petroleum-based racing fuels, SWIFT/FUEL is renewable, being made from resources like sorghum and wood. It also emits fewer pollutants than traditional racing fuels. John Rusek, co-owner and chief engineer of Swift Enterprises, said the fuel’s higher performance also makes it attractive to the motorsports industry.
“SWIFT/FUEL has a higher energy density than traditional racing fuel while maintaining high octane values,” Rusek said. “With more energy produced, drivers can race longer per gallon and make fewer pit stops.”
Chris Evans, founder of the Great American Stockcar Series, said SWIFT/FUEL could be the right fit for him and his teams.
“We are constantly looking for ways to maximize the efficiency and power output of our race engines,” he said. “The concept of Swift’s formulation of an eco-efficient fuel derived from biomass sources is of great interest to us. The fact that Swift has created a 110 octane race fuel with similar burn characteristics as traditional gasoline has the potential to revolutionize the motorsports industry.”
The 2010 Great American Stockcar Series campaigns 22 custom-built, late-model stock cars powered by Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge engines. The 2010 series began April 24 and will conclude Sept. 18, with the remaining races to be at Iowa Speedway.
“Never have I been this inspired or optimistic about introducing a product into the high-performance market. For the people who have a true passion for speed yet have a conscience when it comes to the overall environment and humanity, SWIFT/FUEL is the answer,” said Stefani Paulus, marketing and business development for SWIFT/FUEL - High Performance Green Race Fuel. “At this time we are introducing and testing SWIFT/FUEL in all venues of high-performance racing - from F1 Air Racing to the big engines of the Great American Stockcar Series. For generations to come, SWIFT/FUEL will help everyone cross the finish line and take the checkered flag every time.”
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