Member Article

Clean green racing machine

A County Durham company is leading the world in its drive to develop the first biodiesel engine to power a top racing car. Scott Racing Ltd is hoping to fit the first prototype, high performance race engine to run on 100% biodiesel into a vehicle in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). One NorthEast has backed the project with a £62,000 DTI Grant for Research and Development. Scott Racing is keen to exploit a gap in the market as motor sport strives to boost its green credentials by adopting cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuels.

Tim Scott, managing director of Scott Racing, said: “Most of the existing cars run on petrol with a few on bioethanol – no-one has yet run a fully-biodiesel powered car, as technically it is much more challenging. “The British Touring Car Championship has led the way with regards to cleaner fuels, they are crying out for someone to bring in a biodiesel car and they are very supportive of our development.”

The team at Scott Racing are aiming to have a car running partly on biodiesel in the BTCC during the 2007 season, and a 100% biodiesel fuelled vehicle on the track in 2008.

Alan Gow, British Touring Car Championship Administrator and Series Director, said: “I’m delighted to hear of Scott Racing’s plans – which I certainly hope come to fruition. “The BTCC would welcome biodiesel technology and I’m surprised no competitor has yet taken this route. “I imagine that such a project would gather considerable intrigue and support from the many millions of fans who watch the BTCC at the circuit and on television each year.”

Further information on biodiesel and Scott Racing’s progress will be posted on the team’s website www.scottracing.com throughout the year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .