AN unexpected spectacle attached to Gen3 has been the return of flames spitting out the side of Supercars.
The championship’s new BP E75 fuel has been revealed as a key contributing factor, confirmed by Supercars head of motorsport Adrian Burgess.
Flames emerging from the exhausts on throttle overrun had been a spectacular part of V8 racing prior to a move to E85 in 2009.
While the E85 was 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent 98 Unleaded, the move to add a biofuel component has made the difference.
“Excuse the pun, it is a by-product of what we have done with the fuel, which is add 10 percent bio in,” Burgess told V8 Sleuth.
“We didn’t do that (add flames) by design, it is just something that has come with it. I don’t think people are going to complain.
“The big thing with the fuel is it is greener, it’s the right way for us as a sustainable sport.
“It’s a great thing from BP, a great initiative, and that’s a side product which keeps the revheads happy. It’s all part of the show.
“It actually gives us more volumetric energy than the old fuel so you can actually go further on a litre of fuel than you could previously – and while we’re doing that it’s greener and has got less emissions, so it’s a win-win.”
Supercars officially announced the new biofuel deal earlier today, containing more than 80 percent of second-generation fuel components from renewable sources.
“Supercars, GM and Ford have undertaken an extensive engine performance, durability and range testing program over the past 18 months in Australia and the United States,” said Leigh Taylor of BP.
“We wanted to ensure BP E75 Racing Fuel met the rigorous quality and performance standards that BP applies to all its products and that’s why we have every confidence we have developed a fuel that performs in the most challenging environment available.
“BP is committed to developing the fuels of the future that meet the needs of our customers as part of our ambition to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner and to help the world get to net zero.”
Added Supercars CEO Shane Howard: “Every race car on the Supercars grid from the start of the 2023 season will utilise the new BP E75 Racing Fuel, which is an exciting step forward for the championship.
“Supercars has always been committed to being at the forefront of innovation and sustainability, and this transition to a lower carbon fuel product is the next step in our journey towards a more sustainable future.
“This change to a lower carbon fuel product represents a major milestone for Supercars and our fans.
“We’re excited to be leading the way in sustainable racing and look forward to the positive impact this will have for our sport.”
Supercars last year appointed former Northern Territory Major Events Company CEO Tim Watsford as its chief innovation and sustainability officer.
