Green Racing

Today around the web is Blog Action Day, a day when people devote their daily blog to environmental awareness.

Racing and environment issues are generally not two things discussed in the same context, but I believe it’s important of all of us to do our environmental obligation ofoffsetting our carbon footprint on the environment. Its not practical or possible for all of us to drive fuel efficient hybrids, walk to work, or to do many of the things that true environmental activists practice in saving our environment. But, if we each do our part, we can all make a difference.

GREENER RACING

• Ensure that oil/fuel disposal is done properly. Racetracks for the most part have oil collection points set up on their grounds. But I’ve still seen countless racers who carelessly spill those contaminants into the grass, allowing those toxins to affect our environment. If your track doesn’t have a collection point, request one. DON’T DUMP!
• ETHANOL The Indy Racing League is switching to corn-based ethanol in 2008. Why not change your tuneup to ethanol as well?
• Maintain your tow rig. Whether its an open trailer or a full blown semi hauler, these are the vehicles that travel miles and miles every year. Yet as meticulously as we are with the upkeep of our racecars, often the tow rigs are ignored. Make sure that they are kept in tune and up to its best mechanical shape.
• Non-motorized pit vehicles. Golf carts, pit bikes, scooters. The facility can be cumbersome, but none are so vast that a good old bicycle couldn’t get us around instead. Use peddle-power when possible.
• Plant trees or help sponsor a rain forest. Planting trees will help offset our carbon footprint and add oxygen back into the environment.

Can you think of more ways to make racing a little bit more eco-friendly?