When you think of motorsports, sustainability probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Engines roar and fuel burns. Racing is visceral and thrilling, but historically, not exactly eco-friendly. However, the NTT INDYCAR Series, one of North America’s premier open-wheel racing leagues, is working hard to change that perception, and the results are starting to add up.
Under its “Racing Toward Zero” initiative, INDYCAR has set ambitious 2030 targets: reduce race operations emissions by 50%, source 75% renewable electricity for all events, and implement recycling and composting at 100% of its races. These aren’t vague pledges — they’re data-driven goals backed by a third-party sustainability consultant and tracked in real time.
Fuel for Change
The most visible shift is happening inside the fuel tanks. INDYCAR has been racing with Shell 100% Renewable Race Fuel since 2023, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 60% compared to traditional fuels. That fuel is composed of second-generation sugarcane waste, making INDYCAR the only competitive racing series across North America running entirely on renewable fuel.
Engines don’t have to be modified to use this fuel, which is significant. This is a practical model with real-world implications beyond the racetrack. Also, Firestone race tires now feature sidewalls made from rubber derived from the guayule plant, another nod to nature-based innovation that aligns with the series’ broader mission.
Beyond the Track
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the iconic Indy 500. One of the most recognized venues in sports, the Speedway now sources 100% renewable electricity for all purchased power. The Speedway is continuing to invest in energy efficiency upgrades, including LED lighting and HVAC systems throughout the venue. To help reduce fan travel emissions, the company has invested in alternative transportation options, including bike parking at key entrances and shuttle services.
They’re tackling waste too. In 2025, INDYCAR introduced a carbon-fiber and magnesium recycling program for the racing season to repurpose damaged race vehicle parts and keep them out of landfills.
The Race Toward Sustainability Goes Global
As the 2026 racing season gets underway, motorsports are racing toward sustainability around the globe. Formula One is launching with cars running on 100% advanced sustainable fuel, and MotoGP is continuing its transition toward 100% non-fossil fuel by 2027. The push for green motorsports is now a trending global movement, with INDYCAR leading the pack.
As Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles put it: “Our history is one of sustained innovation and progress. Our future will be the same.”
For anyone who cares about the planet — race fan or not — that’s a green flag worth paying attention to.
