I am sorry that my answers are long-winded, but I want to do my best to be clear and completely answer the questions that were asked.
Originally Posted by Rpracing1:
So Kody, having done this test, is it your belief that this is a positive move for this racing series?
Ok- so I have tested this fuel once, and belief can be a strong word. I am still open to new information, so I can only tell you what I think based upon the information that I have so far.
I think that this CAN be a positive move for the series. Ignite Racing fuel has made a commitment to USAC and the
Silver Crown series, that if managed correctly (by USAC), can definitely be a gain for the
Silver Crown competitors and series.
However, this is my fear: All too often, perception becomes reality. With all of the negative assumptions that have been made about the fuel, and the future of the series, it can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Rumors have started that Ethanol will kill your engine, your bladder and your series, and competitors have become worried about the future of their investments. Some say, I will wait until after the Hoosier 100 to see just what happens. If- enough competitors choose to wait it out, and we don't get the competitor support for the series at the beginning of the season, then I am afraid
that will kill the series- regardless of what running the fuel is actually like. I hope that makes sense?
For this to be a positive move, certain things have to happen:
Total benefits must exceed total costs regarding the change to ethanol (For the competitors, since they are the ones that are actually making the change). The fear is that costs have only been assumed (almost on a worst case scenario- new bladders, radiators, etc), and nothing has really been said for the benefits. For the costs- fuel system changes will need to be made. But, from what we have found so far, you will not need to purchase brand-new bladders and develop a new cooling system with a brand-new radiator. (I hope that the results from our experience can help owners accurately estimate their cost to switch fuels.) For the benefits- It was announced at the meeting with Ignite, at the IMIS Show, that competitors will receive their fuel for 2012 racing events free of charge. There is talk of more benefits- higher purses, year-end points fund- but since nothing has been officially announced, that is just talk. I think that if USAC announced something more concrete about the benefits for
Silver Crown competitors, it would give owners more confidence in what to expect with the switch to ethanol.
I really think that the single best effort that can be made to make this a positive situation- is for there to be clear and complete communication between USAC, Ignite Fuels, and the competitors. This would go a long way in preventing misconceptions that get started, and keeping efforts directed toward addressing the real issues at hand.
Originally Posted by Seadog:
I noticed that the IndyCars exhaust smelled differently when they switched to ethanol. It almost smelled like popcorn. Was there a noticable difference during your test?
There absolutely was a difference in the smell of the fuel. When the fuel is raw- either in an open barrel, being poured into the tank, etc- it has a distinct smell, almost like a brewery? (I'm told that's what a brewery smells like).
However, when the car is sitting on pit road, at an idle, it is much more pleasant than methanol. When a car idles on methanol: it stinks, makes your eyes water and makes it hard to breathe. The Ethanol at idle almost has a sweet smell to it, and doesn't make it hard to breathe or your eyes water.
Hopefully that helps!
-Kody
