INDIANAPOLIS – The NTT IndyCar Series will become the first racing series in North America to use 100 percent sustainable fuel in 2023.
“Motorsports has always been at the forefront of innovation and technology, and today IndyCar is furthering this tradition in a very important and transformational way,” said Mark Miles, president & CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp. “We are proud to become a leader in sustainability and decarbonization as we work towards becoming the first U.S. motorsport series to run on renewable fuel. With industry-leading organizations like Shell and Penske sharing the same ambition for a cleaner energy future, remarkable progress can be made.”
Together and separately, the organizations have designed a variety of sustainability initiatives that will help to reduce the carbon footprint within IndyCar and power progress toward more sustainable motorsports in North America.
“The fuel and lubricant, and energy solutions developed through our strategic relationship with IndyCar and Penske Corporation can ultimately help accelerate reduced carbon emissions from transport in many sectors of the economy,” said Carlos Maurer, executive vice president of Sectors and Decarbonization at Shell. “Shell’s motorsports technical alliances around the world provide a testing ground for fuel and lubricant technologies and products in demanding road conditions.”
Shell and Pennzoil have renewed its sponsorship of IndyCar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Team Penske and the NASCAR weekend at IMS.
Shell will be the official fuel, motor oil and lubricant sponsor of the NTT IndyCar Series.
Beginning in 2023, Shell will produce a new race fuel for IndyCar. This new product consists of a blend of second-generation ethanol derived from sugarcane waste and other biofuels to create a fuel that is 100 percent comprised of feedstocks categorized as “renewable” under the applicable regulatory frameworks.
The fuel developed by Shell is set to make the NTT IndyCar Series the first United States-based motorsports series to power racing with 100 percent renewable race fuel and enables at least 60 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared to fossil-based gasoline.
“This race fuel development for INDYCAR is a great example of how fuels technology is pivotal in helping decarbonize the sport,” said Dr. Selda Gunsel, president of Shell Global Solutions. “Today’s development takes us one step closer to that goal.”
The second-generation ethanol will be sourced from Raízen, a Brazilian Joint-Venture created in 2011 by Shell and Cosan. Raízen is one of the largest sugarcane ethanol producers in the world and owner of the first commercial second-generation ethanol plant.
“It is an honor for Raízen to contribute advanced ethanol to this renewable race fuel, and it’s an exciting introduction to one of the most iconic motorsport categories,” said Ricardo Mussa, Raízen CEO.
“It’s hard to exaggerate how excited we are about the big news,” Miles said. “In some respects, maybe strategically even more important news today.
“This extends a long, traditional, wide and deep relationship in so many different ways that are critically important to us. With the announcement, Shell becomes the official fuel of the IndyCar Series. There’s a long list that describes the relationships. The primary sponsors of two Team Penske entries in Indianapolis, the 2 and 3 car.
Pennzoil will extend its partnership as the official motor oil and lubricant partner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the NTT IndyCar Series. Pennzoil will continue to sponsor the Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard, NASCAR Xfinity Series race in July.
“It goes on, but it’s really about the science, technology and the shared vision. So, yesterday’s announcements are really critically important to us.
“I think it’s true when we get to the shared commitment to sustainability, it takes it all to a whole ‘nother level. So, today’s announcement is particularly important.”
Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves applauded the decision to switch to a 100 percent sustainable fuel to help reduce carbon in the environment.
“My relationship with Shell-Pennzoil comes a long way, partners for a long time,” Castroneves said. “Not only have they been partners in business, partners in racing, partners in our dealership as well, which is amazing. Along with that comes with a friendship as well. Carlos, Heidi, all the team, a new friendship as well.
“For me it’s great to understand about this commitment. It’s also a partner that has been for a long time with Shell Pennzoil, bringing resilient technology. It not only makes a great Brazilian race car driver, but they do have a great technology in Brazil.
“Just finding out still with the renewable fuel, sugarcane, some of the ways they’re going to be producing this fuel, it comes from my hometown, Ribeirao Preto. I guess my car is going to go a little bit faster than the others. Watch out, Team Penske.
“But all joking aside, that’s just to show the commitment this amazing organization, Shell-Pennzoil, an iconic brand in racing, to be not only committed to the series, but “It’s commitment with this incredible technology, and also with the IndyCar Series.
“It’s great to be here. It’s a great day for the IndyCar Series, for clean environment as well, which now we all talk about it. They’re taking the right steps. I’m just glad to be part of it.”