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While some argue that no racing series is green because it involves burning fuel and using up tires for sport, I disagree.
Innovations like electronic engine management systems have saved countless gallons of gasoline in street cars all around the world for decades. Such electronic systems were first developed on racing engines. Far more fuel has been saved by electronic engine management than has been used for racing. Ditto for tire technology and aerodynamics. While other racing series have brought us such innovations, NASCAR has not.
NASCAR pollutes our environment more than most any racing series. I say that for a couple of reasons. First, NASCAR mandates that all cars in the series must use carbureted engines. Carburetors waste more fuel and create more air pollution than electronically fuel injected engines. That's why there hasn't been a mass produced street car with a carburetor in many years. NASCAR says it uses carbs so teams can't hide electronic aides like traction control that could be disguised in an electronic fuel injection system. But other series around the world that ban traction control have used fuel injected engines for decades. NASCAR could even provide the engine control modules (ECM's) to the teams to prevent any electronic funny stuff. It's a spec series in most every other respect, so why not with ECM's?
NASCAR is also careless about the way it handles gasoline. Every other major racing series in the world that requires pit stops uses re-fueling rigs that are sealed to the air and prevent spilled fuel. NASCAR however, uses huge hand-held cans that spill gasoline all over the pavement during a pit stop. That spilled gasoline evaporates and contributes to air pollution, in addition to creating a fire hazard. Most gas station pumps we all use for our street cars do a better job of isolating gasoline from the environment than NASCAR does.
Also, by shunning modern materials like carbon fiber and composites, NASCAR race cars are very heavy and therefore use up more petroleum based tires than most racing machines. That's another environmental negative.
So what do you think? Should NASCAR be more green?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123932274269507173.html
No, it's not "green" in the slightest. It's a heinous, worthless waste of resources, and it can't fall into obscurity fast enough.
Interesting so the new head and engine designs that they design and help produce can't possibly help with better fuel mileage and better reliability in present day automobiles.
I think if you check with Toyota you would find they have learned a lot about material failure and design since getting into nascar.
As for Honda they most likely don't want to go thru a learning curve in nascar that would be necessary to be competitive.
And you need to go into the IRL pit stop one time to see if there is any fuel spill.
Personally I would rather be in a nascar pit they IRL
I go and see the full sprints at the Grove and they're running fuel injected engines that burn alcohol. No carbs. No gasoline.
The fuel spillage in the IRL that uses aircraft style hose couplers is minimal. The water you see sprayed onto the car as the hose is detached is to reduce the chance of fire during a pit stop. Besides if the ethanol fuel they use is spilled there is not an environmental hazard with it anyway.
There has not been a production street car with an overhead valve V-8 and a carb since the late 70's...early 80's. I've talked with engineers from Honda who tell me the reason they are not in NASCAR is there is nothing in the series for them to learn that can translate into building a better street car. They do rotate engineers into the IRL and did the same in F1 before shutting down the team late last year. Toyota is in NASCAR for the advertising value.
I love good racing....any kind....and NASCAR is good....close racing. I just think racing series have to be smart and environmentally conscious and do some self policing ....before the government makes them do something that would harm the motorsports we all enjoy.
p.s. The rear view mirror in a car was first used by Ray Haroun in the Marmon Wasp...winner of the first Indy 500 in 1911.....not from NASCAR.
See you at the track!
Dennis Buterbaugh abc27 News
On the fuel thing I believe if you check out IRL and F1 they spill just as much fuel as NASCAR. If you watch the race the spray the fuel area with water. And lets talk about tires. IRL and FI tires are a lot bigger and wider then NASCAR.
The one reason carbs are used is to keep the cost down, You must understand there is 4 different engine manufactures In nascar, IRL there is only one Honda and they provide a complete.package. F1 the is many engines that are produce at rather high cost absorbed by the MFG like HONDA, BMW, Audi and etc.
The other thing on these tanks that IRL uses they are gravity feed there has to be a vent to atmosphere for them to work., Also if the car pulls out hose attached to the car which happens at times imagine what this spill and safety situations are like.
Just a suggestion maybe abc27 needs to go to a NASCAR race and ask some of these questions. And do a report. Good Year is there and The OEMS have engine engineers and so does these teams.
Also, something for you to try. pour a quart of water on concrete or pavement and see if it doesn't look like a gallon to you.
Thanks very much for joining in the conversation. There you have it race fans, direct from NASCAR itself. We will all certainly stay tuned to see what changes come from the series this season.
As enthusiasts, none of us doubt the exciting racing that comes from NASCAR. I'm just questioning why carburetors and spilled gasoline have to be part of the show.
Dennis Buterbaugh abc27 Consumer Reporter
There?s already a lot of meaningful activity in the green space, and we?re just getting started. For example, there are strong waste management, land conservation and bottle and can recycling programs at NASCAR-sanctioned racetracks (these programs will be taken to new levels under Mike's leadership); all car fluids at the track are recycled by Safety Kleen; Goodyear recycles all tires used; and two new new office buildings under construction in Charlotte and Daytona are state of the art, LEED certified green buildings.
NASCAR is also taking a leadership position in promoting car care conservation and fuel-saving messages, including a partnership with EPA to promote fuel-efficient vehicles at the track. NASCAR also has committed more than $50 million in recent years to promote the ?Be Car Care Aware? program, which encourages motorists to take care of their vehicles, reduce emissions, improve gas mileage and increase safety. NASCAR?s fan base consists of tens of million of car-enthusiasts and these communications initiatives are having a meaningful impact.
It?s important to note the fuel used in NASCAR competition is relatively insignificant. The amount of fuel consumed over the entire racing weekend is equivalent to the amount our country uses in two seconds. Additionally, the world?s scientists have not yet identified a viable alternative fuel solution -- a number of untested options might be viable. Fuel is certainly an important symbol, but NASCAR can have a much greater impact on protecting the environment by initiating a comprehensive industry-wide strategy in how we operate overall. That?s where NASCAR is going to be focusing -- on reducing the waste the industry generates and the emissions produced. To support this progressive strategy, there will certainly be more news forthcoming this season. Stay tuned.
Andrew Giangola Director of Business Communications NASCAR
Actually I do understand racing and that's why I write about it sometimes. My point is there are some simple things NASCAR could do to be more environmentally friendly. I don't want to give any ammunition to the environmentalists when it comes to fighting any racing. Especially not Al Gore. Please. Did you read my full comments about this? It doesn't seem like you did.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Dennis Buterbaugh Consumer Reporter abc27 News
In order for NASCAR to "Go Green" (and no, I'm not talking about a re-start) They would need to get the approval of Rick Hendrick, Tony Stewart, Little E, Jeff Gordon, Sprint, Piggly Wiggly, Goody's Headache Powder, and anyone involved in the industry. They can't make any changes unless they get their stars and sponsers approval first. Why all the grey areas? I have no idea. There's nothing black and white in NASCAR, except for the check flag.
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