The fuel used to propel a Championship Car. Methanol consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Methanol is commercially manufactured by heating hydrogen and carbon monoxide under pressure. Methanol requires less oxygen to burn than gasoline. From the CART standpoint, methanol was chosen as the fuel because it has a high octane rating which provides good flame control.
Water is an effective methanol fire fighting agent.
Because methanol can be made from many materials including wood and garbage, it is considered a renewable resource. CART requires fuel consumption meet a minimum of 1.85 miles per gallon. Maximum race car fuel cell capacity is 35 gallons. CART's fuel supplier typically dispenses 7,500 gallons for short ovals and road course events and 22,000 to 25,000 gallons for 500-mile events. Racing tires are manufactured by Firestone.