Sgt.Gator
Well-known member
Recently at the Global Time Attack Super Lap at Buttonwillow Raceway Park a Tesla was disqualified because it did not fit the definition of an approved fuel. It was actually disqualified on two separate days which caused some confusion in the media coverage - See below update note.
Global Time Attack has said they had to uphold their fuel rule as written but they are changing the rule for 2019 as it's obvious the future will include hybrids and all electric cars. VW just won Pikes Peak and set a new overall record (by a lot!) with an all electric car and I know that in 2019 there will be more of them there.
But this got me thinking, if a hybrid or all electric car were to enter one of our races, would it be legal?
"Rule E/C 1109. Fuel and Liquids
A. Fuel. All cars competing in ICSCC events will run only on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and alcohol. Any blend of gasoline and alcohol shall not exceed 20 percent alcohol. Gasoline consists entirely of hydrocarbon compounds, and may contain antioxidants, metal deactivators, corrosion inhibitors and lead ethyl compounds such as tetraethyl lead. Unless otherwise authorized, oxygen and/or nitrogen bearing additives are prohibited. Gasoline produced specifically for racing is permitted."
So is electricity from a battery, or in a hybrid from the gas powered alternator + battery, a fuel?
Is a Hybrid or all electric car banned from competing in ICSCC races?
Seems like we need to change the definition of fuel for clarity or outright approve or ban electric motor drivetrains.
If you're curious Jalopnik has covered the incident and had this update.
Updated: 11/13/2018 3:43 p.m. ET: Mountain Pass Performance was not disqualified from the second day of the Global Time Attack Super Lap event due to using a second driver. They were disqualified for running an unapproved fuel. Mountain Pass Performance were offered to go into Unlimited class, where there are no fuel restrictions, at some point during events on the second day, but decided to be DQd instead. Global Time Attack has never pulled a competitor from the podium before.
Global Time Attack has said they had to uphold their fuel rule as written but they are changing the rule for 2019 as it's obvious the future will include hybrids and all electric cars. VW just won Pikes Peak and set a new overall record (by a lot!) with an all electric car and I know that in 2019 there will be more of them there.
But this got me thinking, if a hybrid or all electric car were to enter one of our races, would it be legal?
"Rule E/C 1109. Fuel and Liquids
A. Fuel. All cars competing in ICSCC events will run only on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and alcohol. Any blend of gasoline and alcohol shall not exceed 20 percent alcohol. Gasoline consists entirely of hydrocarbon compounds, and may contain antioxidants, metal deactivators, corrosion inhibitors and lead ethyl compounds such as tetraethyl lead. Unless otherwise authorized, oxygen and/or nitrogen bearing additives are prohibited. Gasoline produced specifically for racing is permitted."
So is electricity from a battery, or in a hybrid from the gas powered alternator + battery, a fuel?
Is a Hybrid or all electric car banned from competing in ICSCC races?
Seems like we need to change the definition of fuel for clarity or outright approve or ban electric motor drivetrains.
If you're curious Jalopnik has covered the incident and had this update.
Updated: 11/13/2018 3:43 p.m. ET: Mountain Pass Performance was not disqualified from the second day of the Global Time Attack Super Lap event due to using a second driver. They were disqualified for running an unapproved fuel. Mountain Pass Performance were offered to go into Unlimited class, where there are no fuel restrictions, at some point during events on the second day, but decided to be DQd instead. Global Time Attack has never pulled a competitor from the podium before.