March 25, 2009
NASCAR Looks to ‘Green’ Its Image
Facing the changing tide of an economic turndown, coupled with heightened public awareness of sustainability, NASCAR is looking for environmental efficiencies.
At the recent 2009 NASCAR Media Tour, chairman Brian France said, “Fans are concerned about high fuel cost, global warming and energy independence. We recognize this must be one of our priorities moving forward,” according to Huliq News.
NASCAR has promoted SmartWay fuel-efficient vehicles in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally it worked with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association to develop the “Car Care Aware” program, which shows consumers how they can improve mileage and reduce emissions by properly maintaining their vehicles.
Here are some other sustainable initiatives from NASCAR:
- The upcoming NASCAR plaza in Charlotte, NC, and “Daytona Speedplex” will be built to LEED standards.
- A hybrid 2010 Ford Fusion raced at Homestead-Miami Speedway’s Ford 400. The race car is capable of traveling up to 700 miles a tank.
- NASCAR has partnered with Sunoco to develop alternative fuel options.
- Safety-Keen collects and manages the refinement or proper disposal of oil, brake fluid, coolant and cleaning solvents after NASCAR races.
In 2007, General Motors petitioned to have its race cars run on ethanol.
Stay Up-to-Date On Environmental Management, Energy & Sustainability News with EL's Free Daily Newsletter
Stay connected to EL!
Advertisers
Which companies are leading the race to make natural gas from renewable sources? >>
Energy Manager News
- Researchers to Develop ‘Intelligent’ Windows and Façades
- Largest Behind-the-Meter Energy Storage System Deployed in LA
- LEDs Light Up Madrid
- Ameren Missouri Energy Efficiency Plan to Save Customers $260 Million
- Advanced Energy to Sell Solar Inverter Business
- Lighting Retrofit Saves Mich. Automotive Group $1.4M
- Champagne Bubbles May Help to Build More Efficient Power Plants
- B&W Vølund to Build Waste-To-Energy Plant in Scotland
Reader Comments
The total energy/carbon impact of NASCAR includes more than fuel consumed: discovery, extraction, refineries, transport of fuel, making the vehicles (cars, backup cars, parts, paint, tractor/trailers, tires, fluids), building the tracks (asphalt, buildings, fuel storage, parking, feeder roads), fans (transport, housing, vehicles (RV’s, trailers, waste disposal, trash), practice, trials, crashes, clean up, medical, and everything it takes from empty land to winners burning “doughnuts.” Keep thinking of all the elements, and do not forget the other forms of vehicle racing that involve internal combustion technology. Let’s make an encyclopedia of rationalizations of save the planet/Indi 500.
VR Smith | July 13th, 2009