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Biofuel Takes the Gold on Ohio Racetrack

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 08-23-10 | Comments

An energy-dense biofuel is being developed as an eco-friendlier alternative to gasoline. This month, a pair of drivers achieved a green victory when their race car, which runs on the biofuel, won first place at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge.

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Biofuel Takes the Gold on Ohio Racetrack
From electric cars to hybrids, environmentally friendly automobiles seem to be taking over the roads. Now they�re taking over the racetrack too. A biofuel-powered Castrol Mazda Lola coupe recently took first place in the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge. This triumph marks a major milestone for alternative fuels, which could soon start replacing gasoline.

The biofuel-powered race car came in first place at an August event (source: Dyson Racing).

Despite its recent woes with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, BP is a leading innovator in alternative, green fuels. In cooperation with Dyson Racing and MazdaSpeed, the company has developed a biofuel of isobutanol blended with ethanol. This fuel is especially promising because its energy density is similar to gasoline.

Isobutanol occurs naturally when carbohydrates ferment. Although the fuel is currently being made from corn and sugarcane, the companies hope to someday manufacture it from cellulosic feedstocks (like wood waste) and microalgae�sources that would be even more eco-friendly. Unlike other biofuels, isobutanol can be used at high volumes in existing engines. It is one of the least toxic butanols.

Isobutanol, an organic compound whose energy density is similar to gasoline, may be the future of greener fuels.

Since 2008, the American Le Mans Series has been encouraging green vehicles to race in its events. In March, the series approved the isobutanol-based biofuel for powering vehicles in its prototype class. Isobutanol joined five other alternative fuels in this class, including diesel and E10 ethanol.

Next: A First Win for Isobutanol >>