Supercars Extends Biofuel to Second, Third Tiers

by Andrew van Leeuwen (Motorsport.com) Supercars has mandated the use of its E75 fuel blend to the Dunlop Series, its second and third tiers, from next season onwards. The main game moved from an E85 blend to an E75 biofuel for this season, which contains more than 80 per cent second-generation fuel components.

It is claimed to be more efficient and produce less carbon than the previous blend.

The E85 has continued to be used in Super2 and Super3, which run under the Dunlop Series banner, given those Car of the Future-spec engines were designed to run on that fuel.

There was talk of a mid-season switch for the Dunlop Series categories, however Supercars has now announced that the move to E75 will take place next season.

That will allow Dunlop Series teams to make the necessary technical changes, including an updated fire suppression system, and the relocation of oil catch can venting to the rear of the car.

“The Dunlop Series, which in 2023 has one of its largest fields ever, will continue to use BP’s E85 fuel for the remainder of this season before transitioning to the BP E75 Racing Fuel in 2024," confirmed Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

“The confirmed timeline of the introduction of BP E75 Racing Fuel to the Dunlop Series confirms that other technical changes required in the Car of the Future Supercar engines that suit the new blend will not be required until the start of 2024.

“This confirmation ensures teams will have time to make the required alterations and test the new fuel product in their Car of the Future Supercars prior to the 2024 series.” READ MORE

Excerpt from Motorsport.com: The switch to the new Gen3 platform has now prompted the development of a new blend known as E75 which contains more than 80 per cent second generation fuel components.

The expectation of the new blend is that it will produce less carbon than its predecessor while also being more efficient, meaning less fuel use across a race distance.

Its introduction to Supercars comes as part of an extension of BP's deal as the control fuel supplier, with the new blend to debut at the season-opening Newcastle 500 early next month.

“BP E75 Racing Fuel is a new and exclusive, lower carbon race fuel, comprised of more than 80 per cent second generation fuel components – including a unique, advanced bio gasoline – that are sourced from renewable feedstocks, and blended with our existing premium BP Ultimate 98 Unleaded gasoline,” said BP’s Amanda Woollard, VP – Marketing, AsPac.

“BP E75 Racing Fuel has also been specially formulated to help extend the range of the race cars compared to last season’s fuel, which means burning fewer litres of fuel for the same race.

“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.

“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.”

Supercars CEO Shane Howard hailed the introduction of the new fuel as an important milestone for the category.

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. READ MORE