V8s keen on green

The thoroughbred Holden and Ford tourers will run on E85 ethanol fuel in a move driven to push the environmental message.

Team owners Larry Perkins and Ross Stone will head a sub-committee on the move, which offers some technical challenges in terms of fuel lines and bladders and associated components as well as safety revisions.

It is doubtful whether the majority of the massive V8 fan base in Australia will give the move a second thought.

Recent surveys suggest that what is on the priority list for fans is that the formula remains purely Holden and Ford and for the rear-wheel-drive V8 powertrains to be continued.

V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane admits the move may have little relevance to the paying V8 public but the underlying message is for the sport to be seen to be socially responsible.

“It may take 10 or 15 years for E85 pumps to be available everywhere but we've got to start somewhere,” Cochrane said.

“We want to try to get on pole position in this argument.

“We want to be seen as a community leader.”

Full investigations into the move to E85 will be undertaken over the next 10 months when the project will be fully evaluated.

“In the hands of Larry (Perkins) and Ross (Stone) I'm sure that everything will be looked at and investigated,” Cochrane said.

The plan follows the V8 Supercars Racing Green tree planting program, which was implemented last year to offset the carbon footprint of the sport.

“We see it as a highly responsible way forward and the ethanol industry is really starting to crank up in this country,” Cochrane said.

An ethanol plant is close to completion at Dalby, west of Toowoomba.

Cochrane says governments, particularly Queensland, are pushing the ethanol message.

“The government is keen to see ethanol gain a foothold and we want to be seen as a community leader,” he said.

“As for the future I can assure you that every (V8 Supercar) board will look at what we can do to be more community responsible whether it be the environment or whatever it may be.”

Indy Cars from the Indy Racing League in the United States, which reunited with Champ Car last week after a 13-year split, run on 100 per cent ethanol.

The Champ Cars continued to use methanol but it is likely that under the new unified front for 2008, the American open wheelers will run on ethanol.