ALMS Corvettes Goes Green In 2008

By Evander Klum

The American Le Mans Series is now greener than ever. As regards Corvette Racing, the green factor will be triggered by the use of E85 - a high-octane, renewable alternative fuel.

As part of the 2008 “green racing” espoused by the endurance series, Corvettes entertained the use of a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol. The decision was made after the team won its seventh consecutive GT1 manufacturers and team championships last year having E10 as fuel. E10 is only composed of ten percent ethanol.

On Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, ALMS announced its partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and SAE International to incorporate "green racing" principles into its 2008 season, according to USA Today.

"The auto manufacturers competing in the American Le Mans Series have made it very clear that this is a direction and an overall initiative that is important to them," said ALMS President and CEO Scott Atherton.

"The opportunity to formally align with the EPA, Department of Energy and SAE International makes our platform very special and unique - to auto manufacturers and ultimately to consumers," Atherton added. "At a time when nearly all of motor sports have lost its relevance regarding progressive technology or any connection from the racetrack to the showroom floor, the American Le Mans Series stands alone in providing a platform of solutions to our nation's automotive, transportation and energy needs."

Anita Lienert of Edmunds.com has this to say: "This creative partnership promotes the use of alt fuels and new technologies that may find their way into your next car or truck."

This season, all race cars in ALMS will compete on alternative fuels. But it can be noted that Audi has already started the use of its revolutionary diesel fuel.

"There's evidence (that) series like the American Le Mans Series influences automakers, as well as everyday drivers: Audi, which has raced a diesel car in the American Le Mans Series for the last two years... unveiled a diesel-powered R8 concept road car at the Detroit show," said Jennifer Kho of greentechmedia.com

Aside from Audi and Corvette, other manufacturers which will also comply with the new requirement of running on green fuel include Acura, Aston Martin, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Mazda, Panoz, Porsche and Saleen.

The maker of the Acura CV boot as well as other automakers in the ALMS is expected to perform well using the green technology.