INDYCAR and Shell announced Aug. 21 that an updated formulation of Shell's 100% Renewable Race Fuel* will be introduced for the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

The new fuel, announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., builds on the renewable race fuel program launched in 2023 and continues INDYCAR's commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability in motorsports.

Beginning in 2027, all NTT INDYCAR SERIES entries will compete using an updated fuel formulation supplied by Shell. The new fuel incorporates a significant portion of domestically sourced renewable ethanol produced from the waste stream of a grain mixture-based distilling process and is blended with additional renewable components to create a 100% Renewable Race Fuel*.

The ethanol feedstock used in the updated formulation will now be domestically sourced from Indiana, the home of both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. By drawing on Indiana’s rich agricultural and motorsports heritage, the program creates a powerful connection between the Heartland communities that help produce the fuel and the world-class racing that showcases it on track each May in Indianapolis and at venues across North America.

The updated fuel delivers at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline.** The fuel will continue to meet the performance and durability requirements of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its engine manufacturers.

Since 2023, every NTT INDYCAR SERIES race has run on Shell's 100% Renewable Race Fuel*, making it the first major U.S.-based motorsports series powered by renewable race fuel. The updated formulation reflects the ongoing evolution of the program and the shared vision of INDYCAR and Shell to advance fuel technology through competition.

What They Are Saying

"From the beginning, INDYCAR has viewed racing as a platform for innovation. This next evolution of our renewable race fuel program demonstrates the continued progress that can be made when industry leaders work together to develop high-performance solutions that help advance sustainability goals without compromising competition." – Mark Miles, president and CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp.

“For decades, Shell and INDYCAR have worked together to advance innovation through motorsports’ demanding testing environments. That collaboration continues today with renewable race fuel engineered to help deliver the performance and reliability required for motorsports while incorporating renewable feedstocks sourced in the United States.” – Colette Hirstius, president, Shell USA

“Indiana is an agricultural and racing powerhouse, and this exciting partnership aligns two of our state's proudest industries. By using renewable ethanol sourced here in Indiana to fuel INDYCAR, we’re supporting Hoosier farmers and producers while showcasing Indiana innovation on a global stage. I’m proud to see Indiana agriculture powering the future of racing.” – Todd Huston (R-Fishers), Indiana House speaker

“Shell has been a terrific partner for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and their 100% renewable race fuel has set the standard around the world for as the first renewable and sustainable fuel in racing. To now know that the fuel that powers the series will be sourced in my home state makes the partnership even more powerful to me. Indiana loves racing, and the farmers in our state now have an even deeper connection to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, thanks to Shell and their innovation.” – Ed Carpenter, owner, ECR; 23-time Indianapolis 500 starter as a driver

"The level of dedication that Shell has for both Team Penske and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is amazing. They are continually working to provide the most advanced products, and this new fuel is a continuation of that philosophy. There is not a better time to announce this change to corn that is grown and processed in the Midwest than at this patriotic Freedom 250 race weekend. As an Illinois native, it is another reason why I am proud to work with Shell." – David Malukas, driver, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet

*The Renewable Race Fuel is blended from components derived from biogenic wastes and byproducts that meet the renewable fuel definition in the Renewable Fuel Standard. The definition for renewable fuel can be found here: eCFR :: 40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M -- Renewable Fuel Standard. The Renewable Race Fuel is not available at Shell retail stations.

**Shell’s 100% renewable fuel delivers at least 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline. Renewable fuel as defined in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS, 40 CFR Part 80 Subpart M). Reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2005 baseline average gasoline as defined in the RFS. Shell internal estimations for Shell Race Fuel based on data provided by component suppliers and parameters extracted from the Ca-GREET 4.0 model.