In a significant move towards sustainability, the 2024 Goodwood Revival will see all participating classic race cars powered by eco-friendly fuel. This decision follows a successful trial in the previous year.
The event’s organizers have announced that the 2024 Revival will mandate the use of fuel with at least 70% sustainable ingredients, aligning with the FIA’s guidelines for eco-friendly fuel. This type of fuel, they assert, requires no engine modifications and maintains vehicle performance while offering the advantage of reduced emissions compared to standard gasoline.
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The sustainable fuel’s efficacy was first demonstrated during the 2023 Goodwood Revival’s Fordwater Trophy race, featuring pre-1966 Porsche 911s all utilizing this fuel. Notable drivers such as 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button, F1 legend Mark Webber, and Max Chilton, the Goodwood Hill Climb record holder, participated. Additionally, four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel showcased the fuel’s capabilities by driving two historic F1 cars — a 1992 Williams FW14B and a 1993 McLaren MP4/8 — at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Jenson Button highlighted the significance of sustainable fuels in preserving the legacy of historic racing, emphasizing their role in ensuring the longevity of combustion engine vehicles.
2023 Goodwood Revival – Photo by Michael Shaffer
The development and adoption of sustainable fuels are driven by the need to meet stricter emission standards while preserving combustion engines. In 2022, Germany lobbied for an exemption under the EU’s emissions regulations for vehicles using eco-friendly fuels, in the face of a proposed ban on new combustion-engine car sales by 2035. Similarly, Formula 1 is gearing up to introduce a sustainable fuel by 2026, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.
Sustainable fuels are typically synthesized from sources like biomass and carbon-capture technologies. Porsche, for instance, is exploring carbon capture with a pilot plant in Chile. This facility harnesses wind energy to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then combined with atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce methanol, which can be converted into synthetic fuels akin to gasoline, diesel, or even aviation kerosene. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of this process are still under evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sustainable Racing Fuel
What is the significant change at the 2024 Goodwood Revival?
The 2024 Goodwood Revival will feature all vintage race cars running on sustainable fuel, a shift from traditional gasoline to promote eco-friendliness in classic car racing.
How does the sustainable fuel used at Goodwood Revival align with current standards?
The sustainable fuel mandated for use in the 2024 Goodwood Revival contains a minimum of 70% sustainable components, complying with the FIA’s requirements for eco-friendly fuels.
Were there any notable participants in the sustainable fuel trial at the 2023 Goodwood Revival?
Yes, the trial at the 2023 Goodwood Revival included prominent drivers like Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Max Chilton, and Sebastian Vettel, who all raced using the sustainable fuel.
What is the main goal behind using sustainable fuels in classic car racing?
The primary goal is to reduce overall emissions and meet tighter emission standards, ensuring the longevity and viability of historic racing amidst environmental concerns.
How are sustainable fuels for racing being produced?
Sustainable racing fuels are often synthetic, made from sources like biomass and carbon-capture technology. For example, Porsche’s pilot plant in Chile uses wind energy to produce methanol from hydrogen and atmospheric carbon dioxide, which can be converted into synthetic fuels.
More about Sustainable Racing Fuel
- Goodwood Revival Official Site
- FIA Sustainable Fuel Guidelines
- Porsche’s Carbon Capture Project
- History of the Fordwater Trophy at Goodwood
- Environmental Impact of Racing Fuels
- Formula 1’s Carbon Neutrality Goals
- Advancements in Synthetic Fuel Technology
5 comments
honestly, I’m surprised they can do this without changing the cars much, isn’t old tech kind of picky about fuel?
wow, this is pretty cool stuff! good to see classic car racing going green. sustainability is key these days, right?
Great to see major events like Goodwood taking a stand on environmental issues. But i’m curious how cost effective this sustainable fuel really is in the long run…
Love the sound of classic engines, but not sure about this new fuel. hope it doesn’t change the feel of the race too much
Vettel driving those vintage F1 cars must’ve been a sight to see! Classic meets modern in the best way.