Fueling the Future: Josef Newgarden and Student Innovators Drive Racing Forward
3 min read
In a powerful showcase of innovation and collaboration, Shell brings together Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden and student teams from Shell Eco-marathon to explore the cutting edge of energy-efficient mobility.
In 2024 Josef Newgarden, a two-time Indy 500 winner, caught up with students from the Greater Racing team based in Lafayette, Indiana to discuss how their innovations align with the broader goals of motorsport.
During their time together, the students talked about how Shell Eco-marathon works and the work they did on their car to make it as efficient as possible. They also had the unique opportunity to ask Josef a few questions about what it was like to win the Indy 500, and his love for the sport.
Shell’s Renewable Race Fuel, used throughout all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, is helping reduce emissions by up to 60% compared to fossil-based gasoline. This 100% renewable race fuel is a blend of second-generation ethanol—sourced from sugarcane waste—and other biofuels. Developed in collaboration with Raízen, a Brazilian joint venture between Shell and Cosan, this fuel marks a major milestone: the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is now the first US-based motorsports series to run entirely on renewable fuel*.
This inspiring exchange between a racing legend and future engineers showcases how passion, performance, and forward-thinking technology can drive meaningful progress—both on and off the track.
Watch the video below to learn more.
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* The Renewable Race Fuel is blended from components derived from bio-waste 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.