Today, NASCAR has announced a new partnership with POET to introduce a "zero-carbon bioethanol" fuel in conjunction with Sunoco. POET is now the official bioethanol partner of the sport. This partnership helps NASCAR move towards its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035.
This isn't just a deal for fuel. As part of the new partnership, NASCAR will now have the POET Restart Zone at every NASCAR-owned race track this season. You will see that at Daytona this weekend.
NASCAR says that this makes the series the first major motorsports series to utilize such a fuel. In 2023, the NASCAR IMPACT initiative was launched. As part of that initiative, the sport is investing in partnerships and innovations to help reach a net-zero goal by 2035.
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NASCAR has continued to invest in certain technologies. Renewable and lower-emission projects are going to be part of this continued IMPACT initiative. While many fans are worried about what that means for the cars on the track, NASCAR has indicated that they aren't looking to change the engines...yet.
Over the last few years, there has been a conversation around hybrid engines possibly coming to NASCAR. There are those within the industry who believe this is the only way to bring in new OEMs. While it appears Dodge is ready to get back to Cup racing, NASCAR has its eyes on other manufacturers, possibly Honda or Hyundai, depending on what rumors you believe.
Then again, Ford just reinvested in the future of its next-gen V8 engines for consumer vehicles. GM/Chevrolet has more or less done the same. Dodge and Ram Trucks have brought back the Hemi and V8 family of engines.
In the end, V8 engines probably don't coincide with net-zero emissions. So, who knows where NASCAR will go in the future with the engines? As long as they are loud and go fast, most fans will be happy.