American Le Mans Series Developing Standards For 2013 Natural Gas Entries

The International Motor Sports Association, sanctioning body for the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón, has entered into an agreement with Jackson, Mich.-based Patrick Racing to research and develop natural gas as an alternative fuel for the Series’ Prototype Challenge (PC) cars.

IMSA/ALMS and Patrick Racing will identify development and testing opportunities for the source to power the Series’ PC cars, beginning as early as the 2013 season.

We are the only racing series recognized to comply with the Green Racing protocols developed by the US Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency and SAE International. These organizations see Green Racing as a way to foster technology developments for tomorrow’s consumer production vehicles, enhance national energy security, and reduce carbon emissions. We view the addition of natural gas to the Series as a means of continuing our mission to be on the front line of automotive technology advancement, while providing unequalled entertainment for our fans.

chewy - 6/22/2012 2:15:03 PM

+1 Boost

"He developed the concept that natural gas would be an ideal fuel for racing engines."

I think natural gas is about as far away from being an ideal fuel as you can get as you get less power than gasoline (bad for racing), heavy and bulky tanks that don't store a lot of energy (bad for racing), and slower refueling (bad for racing).

Certainly some challenges that would need to be addressed there. Another team is creating a hydrogen powered racer with two humongous tanks.