Team RAC goes bio-ethanol

Team RAC, one of the leading teams in Britain’s biggest motor racing series, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, has confirmed its cars will contest the remainder of the 2006 season powered by bio-ethanol fuel, starting at Knockhill in Scotland this weekend (2-3 September).

Drivers Colin Turkington, currently second in the standings, and Robert Collard will hope their MG ZSs benefit from the environmentally-friendly fuel – made from farming crops – which is believed to result in better engine response.

Turkington is currently chasing Matt Neal for the BTCC crown – the most prestigious driving title in British motor racing and also one of the sport’s most coveted crowns globally.

Two other drivers, Fiona Leggate and Jason Hughes, have already used the ‘E85’ bio-fuel in their cars. Team RAC’s conversion could, however, lead to the BTCC being won by a bio-ethanol fuelled car for the first time in the championship’s history that date backs to 1958.

Team principal Dick Bennetts said: “Our primary objective is to be the first ever touring car team to achieve a podium finish to showcase the potential of green fuel for our primary sponsor, RAC.

”I’ve watched the E85-fuelled cars this year with interest and RAC and EEMS (the Motorsport Development UK initiative Energy Efficient Motorsport) were very enthusiastic about the project. Over the past few weeks we’ve been working with our engine partner EDL which has undertaken extensive testing and we’ve been suitably impressed with the results produced on the dyno.”

Shaun Meadows, marketing director, RAC commented: “New fuel technology is important to us and our members and I’m pleased to say we have begun our journey into bio-fuels with Team RAC. We recognise alternative fuel issues are high on the social and corporate agenda both in terms of environmental protection and fossil fuel sustainability and by demonstrating its use on the track we can hopefully raise awareness. There is yet to be a podium finish in the BTCC for a bio-ethanol car so that is certainly what we are aiming for this weekend.”

BTCC series director Alan Gow added: “This move by Team RAC is great testament to bio-fuel as I’m sure that it is not a decision which has been taken lightly due to Colin’s (Turkington) current position in the Championship. I congratulate them on taking this concept further.”

EEMS project leader Steve Bunkhall said: “EEMS is delighted to see a front-running team such as Team RAC elect to use bio-fuel as it’s important for the future of alternative fuels.

”It’s pleasing that Team RAC has taken this decision independently and we are equally pleased to become associated with the team. EEMS’s objective is to become associated with automotive manufacturers and organisations and the link with such a prestigious brand as RAC is exactly what we are aiming for.”