Why we allow bio-gas in STCC
No one has missed the warlike headlines around the world economy and most recently the status of the car industry. The STCC stands humble for the future, but at the same time welcomes a new era of STCC. Let´s call it the environmental programme 2.0 where the locomotive is called bio-gas (CNG).
Today a new manufacturer announced their entry of STCC. The Volkswagen-group is back, this time with Volkswagen and the Scirocco-model. The energy company E.ON are with them with a clear message of bio-gas from 2009 and three years ahead.
This programme would not have been possible if we would not have made room for bio-gas in the technical regulations of STCC. And why are we doing that? How is it possible to create fair sporting conditions for cars that are run on different types of fuel in the same championship? This is of course an extensive challenge, but it is carefully calculated and we know that it can be done successfully.
In 2007 we introduced bio-ethanol in STCC, today Volvo are running their cars on that fuel. Now it is time for the next step and we have put up frames for the rules where turbo restrictor and weight are important parts that adjust the sporting equality. Turbo diesel engines are allowed in the World Touring Car Championship and there is a framework for it in the technical rules of FIA. We are going to apply certain parts of these rules for the bio-gas rules, a fuel type that we feel is more important than diesel.
Why is this important? The STCC is a environmentally certified championship and we are working hard with the environmental issue. The Gothenburg City Race was run completely environmental compensated and it was exposed in a good way in media and the spectators like the programme. This means that the environmental message reaches the public and in bio-gas we see a new messenger. A clear environmental message creates better opportunities for team and manufacturers to find new partners.
We are facing tougher times. Even if we are not affected yet, we are prepared. It is in these times you have to take tough decisions. We are convinced that this decision is an important and tough decision that is a big part of stopping the black headlines from the car industry from reaching the crown jewel of Swedish motorsport – STCC.
Who is Bob Huzell
The 45-year-old Bob Huzell has been the Swedish Touring Car Championship boss since 2007. The Swede has a long experience from marketing and sales. Before heading the STCC, Huzell was working for the big Swedish Film-company Sandrew Metronome. The motorsport interest has always been there and he is often seen behind the wheel of his Sport 2000 gocart.
