Motorsports in general are always pushing the envelope in speed, technology, aerodynamics and efficiency. It is what sets the performance trend of today’s racecars into tomorrow’s street cars. Some prime examples of thing like this would be paddle shifting, short throw shifting, quicker steering racks, and so on. However, with all this technology fuel has improved but it’s not “green”. Motorsports has always set the example to the automotive industry yet this is an area where the normal street car is out performing the race car.
Let’s look at Formula 1. I love this sport. I love the speed; I love the technology; I love everything about it (with the exception of some personalities). They really do push the envelope in all directions. Fuel efficiency along with engine life spans have improved, but they are less to be desired. I know that any major change in any motorsport will take time. However, it looks like the FIA have just put a freeze on any engine changes for the next several years (ten years seems to be the current duration).
“Thinking Green” was a trend that has gone through it’s ins and outs over the past several years. However; lately it has moved from becoming a trend and into a lifestyle. There are some motorsport manufacturers that have actually taken the initiative to incorporate this into their cars and maintain their competitiveness. A great example of such would be Audi and the Le Mans series cars. The R8 LM car was a car that ran on normal race fuels but then they changed over to the R10 LM car and incorporated diesel fuels. The great thing about this is that the cars were able to travel farther with less emissions and maintain there speed if not got faster. What’s more, is that they are also more quiet than the previous car and other competitors. This is an added bonus but it’s “thinking green” on a different level.
Don’t get me wrong about the technology surrounding “Green” has improved within the automotive industry. Even Ferrari (one of the most prestigious racing manufacturers on the planet) have recently unveiled a “Green” concept car at a 2008 auto show. Manufacturers are doing their part, however, it’s the motorsports officials that are falling behind an ever growing “Green” world.
