GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Biofuel Takes the Gold on Ohio Racetrack

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 - A First Win for Isobutanol

�The smaller turbo-charged engines of the American Le Mans Series offer a valuable test-bed for evaluating fuels that can offer the best performance, and Mazda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help us develop the best fuels,� said Tim Hayes, vice president, Strategic Accounts for BP, according to a press release. �BP sees this as a great opportunity to test and learn about the performance and capability of these advanced fuels and their respective components like isobutanol and ethanol.�

Not only was the race a great opportunity, but it was also a great victory for the fuel. On Aug. 8, drivers Chris Dyson and Guy Smith won first place at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Challenge. The race was the first win for isobutanol, and it set a new speed record at the event. The drivers won by half a second.

�We had a good car all weekend,� Dyson said. �It stopped well, put the power down in key areas, and it was extremely consistent as the fuel burned off.�

As gasoline supplies dwindle and prices rise, alternative fuels like isobutanol become more important. How does the fuel�s victory in this race alter your opinion about greener vehicles? Would you like to see isobutanol in the consumer market? Let us know below in the comments section.