Tim Mayer, Chief Operating Officer of the American Le Mans Series, was keynote speaker at the Western Automotive Journalists Media Days at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on the 22nd, Earth Day. He talked about the environmentally conscious programs promoted by ALMS. Mr. Mayer explained why the Series calls itself the “Global Leader in Green Racing.”
Le Mans Series prototypes are among the most technologically advanced automobiles in the world. ALMS is proud that this technology extends to real-world-relevant design aspects like fuel economy and emissions controls, and sustainability.
The ALMS Mission Statement clearly states the series’ interest in the environment:
The American Le Mans Series strives to be an environmental steward in motorsports. We are committed to lead by example, encouraging innovations that lead to sustainable, efficient and environmentally responsible transportation solutions.
The American Le Mans Series has always been known as a leader in innovative, relevant automotive technology. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the development of alternative fuels and engines. The American Le Mans Series is the only major race series in the world in which all cars race on street legal alternative fuels, using clean low sulfur diesel, cellulosic E85, E10 ethanol-gasoline or E10 gas-electric hybrid powerplants.
At the next race, at Larry H. Miller Dealerships Utah Grand Prix on May 17, Corsa Motorsports in conjunction with the Zytek Group will unveil the much anticipated Corsa Zytek hybrid. The car is powered by a 625 hp ethanol-burning four-cam V8 plus an electric motor powered by an on-board lithium-ion energy storage system with a KERS (kinetic energy recovery) supplemental regeneration system. The KERS system uses braking forces to recharge the battery while racing. The electric powerplant allows less fuel to be used by the V8.
Because racing is so demanding, engineers learn more about the performance capabilities—and limitations and problems—of alternative energy automobile technology, much more quickly and accurately than they could in any amount of laboratory testing.
Michelin® Green X® Challenge
In 2008 the American Le Mans Series instituted the Michelin® Green X® Challenge, which awards points for ALMS racers based on how efficiently their cars operate during the course of a race.
The Michelin Green® X® Challenge evaluates cars’ performance based on fuel efficiency and environmental efficiency—cars that go the farthest on the least fuel while emitting the fewest greenhouse gases, win points.
The program was developed with input from the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Society of American Engineers.
The protocols for the award were created by the Argonne National Laboratory. Key measurements include amount of energy used, greenhouse gases emitted and petroleum displaced.
The Green X® Challenge is the first, and so far the only, active environmental efficiency competition in any form of motorsports.
Walking the Talk
The American Le Mans Series also promotes awareness while encouraging teams, promoters, manufacturers, media and sponsors to participate in saving the planet for future generations. One program that has been implemented includes reducing waste in daily operations through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests. The FSC utilizes a mixed-source product group from well managed forests, controlled sources, and recycled wood and fiber.
The American Le Mans Series has utilized the FSC throughout its publications. In its continued effort to be environmentally conscious, the Series presented in January 2009 its first interactive digital media guide and a hybrid informational publication titled The Leading Edge, which demonstrates ALMS’ commitment to reducing environmental impact. The publication was produced using soy-based ink and 50 percent post-consumer paper; it is a condensed publication on fewer pages. ALMS opted to design a new advanced Web site to house the majority of Series information.
Additional environmental strides have included recycling at all race tracks and in the Series’ corporate headquarters, a rebalancing of Series fleets to economize shipments and optimizing travel routes.
The Series is also developing in-market opportunities with track promoters and several corporate partners that promote and emphasize energy sustainability and reduction of carbon footprints.
