IndyCar and Shell have announced updated formulation of Shell’s 100% Renewable Race Fuel that will be introduced for the 2027 IndyCar season. The revised formulation builds on the renewable race fuel programme introduced in 2023. Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp said the announcement is a continuation of a partnership between the series and its fuel supplier.
“From the beginning, IndyCar has viewed racing as a platform for innovation,” said Mark Miles, president and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp. “This next evolution of our renewable race fuel program demonstrates the continued progress that can be made when industry leaders work together to develop high-performance solutions that help advance sustainability goals without compromising competition.”
Beginning in 2027, all IndyCar entries will compete using an updated fuel formulation supplied by Shell. The new fuel incorporates a significant portion of U.S.-sourced renewable ethanol produced from the waste stream of a grain mixture-based distilling process and is blended with additional renewable components to create a 100% Renewable Race Fuel.
Indy 500 pit stops
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
The ethanol feedstock used in the updated formulation will now be domestically sourced from Indiana, the home of both the IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. By drawing on Indiana’s rich agricultural and motorsports heritage, the program creates a powerful connection between the Heartland communities that help produce the fuel and the world-class racing that showcases it on track each May in Indianapolis and at venues across North America.
Indiana House speaker Todd Huston said, “Indiana is an agricultural and racing powerhouse, and this exciting partnership aligns two of our state’s proudest industries. By using renewable ethanol sourced here in Indiana to fuel IndyCar, we’re supporting Hoosier farmers and producers while showcasing Indiana innovation on a global stage. I’m proud to see Indiana agriculture powering the future of racing.”
Shell says the updated fuel delivers at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline. The fuel will continue to meet the performance and durability requirements of IndyCar and its engine manufacturers.
According to IndyCar, it became the first major US-based motorsport series to race on renewable fuel when the programme began in 2023.
“For decades, Shell and IndyCar have worked together to advance innovation through motorsports’ demanding testing environments,” said Shell USA president Colette Hirstius. “That collaboration continues today with renewable race fuel engineered to help deliver the performance and reliability required for motorsports while incorporating renewable feedstocks sourced in the United States.”
David Malukas, driver of the #12 Team Penske Chevrolet, added, “The level of dedication that Shell has for both Team Penske and the NTT IndyCar Series is amazing. They are continually working to provide the most advanced products, and this new fuel is a continuation of that philosophy. There is not a better time to announce this change to corn that is grown and processed in the Midwest than at this patriotic Freedom 250 race weekend. As an Illinois native, it is another reason why I am proud to work with Shell.”
