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Ethanol-based biofuels have not been used in New Zealand motorsport until now and their adoption for the Toyota Racing Series has only been possible through Motorsport New Zealand's willingness to modify regulations governing permissible rules in its championships.
Toyota's locally developed racing series is a world first in its use of environmentally ethical fuel production and use with the adoption this year of an E85 ethanol (85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent 95 octane petrol) fuel blend.
The move follows months of laboratory and dynamometer testing, engine performance tuning and a comprehensive re-development of the TRS cars with new fuel system components to enable the cars to use a biofuel.
The biofuel initiative is specific to motorsport but offers a perfect test environment for high percentage use under extreme conditions.
In extensive testing, the fuel consistently burned cooler than petrol and delivered reduced emissions. In the process of re-tuning the engines for the new fuel, power and torque gains were also noted.
The TRS is New Zealand's premier open-wheel "wings and slicks" race category and uses an Italian-built carbon-composite race chassis fitted with production Toyota four-cylinder engines that have been developed for motorsport purposes.
Other race series worldwide are examining the potential of biofuels but all use purpose-built competition engines and none have indicated they can or will commit to an E85 fuel blend until at least 2009.
Toyota spokesman John Fowke said the company had a global responsibility to conduct its business in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner that minimises the impact of such operations on the environment.
"We take this responsibility very seriously and see the Toyota Racing Series' commitment to the E85 ethanol fuel blend as an opportunity to develop and refine innovative biofuel technology in the toughest possible environment."
TRS manager Barrie Thomlinson says the off season has been used to comprehensively test and prove the fuel's suitability for competition.
"We are confident about the fuel's compatibility with racing uses and we are looking forward to the data that we can provide about the use of high percentage fuel blends.
"This is a perfect example of motorsport helping the automotive world to produce cleaner, smarter road cars and giving global brands like Toyota tools that help to actively manage their carbon profile."
Environmental activists and political parties have for some time been voicing concern about the trend towards diversion of arable land from food crops to growing new fuel crops. The ethanol used in the TRS E85 blend is derived not from grain or root vegetables, as is the case with much of the developing biofuel industry in other countries, but as a by-product of the dairy industry.
Among the eight rounds the TRS competitors will contest this year, the greatest test may well be the 35-lap New Zealand Grand Prix being held this year at Manfeild near Palmerston North.
Internationally, Toyota is the acknowledged leader in the development and production of innovative low-emission, fuel-efficient hybrid-powered vehicles.
The company has a comprehensive environmental and social strategy which is embodied by all parts of its global operations including motorsport.
The TRS forms part of Toyota NZ's CarbonZero programme which aims to reduce and manage its resource use, adopt environmentally responsible technologies and offset carbon emissions from its operations.
The programme extends to all Toyota's vehicles and to all Toyota-operated sites, including the TRS base at Mount Wellington in Auckland. Such initiatives integrate the TRS programme into Toyota's position as the leading manufacturer of sustainable and environmentally friendly motor vehicles.
Toyota New Zealand is a foundation member of the Business Council for Sustainable Development, a member of the Sustainable Business Network and a long-term supporter of the Worldwide Fund for Nature.
