Oulton Park, UK (24th June 2024) – Gavin McAlpine, driving his ‘number 17’ Radical SR3 XXR, etched his name in motorsport history at last weekend’s Hagerty Radical Cup UK by becoming the first competitor to utilize synthetic fuel during the championship. The environmentally-conscious initiative saw McAlpine’s car, backed by RAW Motorsports, triumph at Oulton Park Circuit without any modifications, thanks to the innovative “drop-in” SUSTAIN Super 80 fuel from Coryton.
SUSTAIN fuels, developed by bespoke fuel specialist Coryton, are primarily derived from second-generation biofuels sourced from agricultural waste, such as non-food crop residues. This eco-friendly approach effectively recycles existing atmospheric carbon absorbed by plants during growth, contrasting sharply with the carbon emissions of traditional fossil fuels.
Reflecting on his pioneering use of sustainable fuel, Gavin McAlpine remarked, “For years, I’ve been exploring sustainable fuel options. Combining my passions for nature and automotive technology, this marks a significant step towards a low-carbon future in racing and beyond.”
Beyond his racing career, McAlpine serves as Chairman of RES (Renewable Energy Systems), a global leader in renewable energy solutions, underscoring his commitment to environmental innovation and sustainability.
Jon Roach, Global Head of Marketing at Radical Motorsport, commented, “The advent of sustainable fuels represents an exciting advancement for motorsport, offering a viable, performance-neutral alternative that aligns with our environmental goals.”
Ahead of the race weekend, Radical’s engineering team conducted rigorous testing to ensure seamless integration of SUSTAIN Super 80 fuel, confirming its compatibility and performance parity with standard race fuels used across the Radical grid.
SUSTAIN Super 80, categorized as a “drop-in” fuel, blends seamlessly with conventional petrol without necessitating vehicle modifications. The fuel undergoes a comprehensive molecular restructuring process, mirroring the appearance of traditional petrol while comprising up to 80% renewable content, thereby achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions compared to fossil fuels.
David Richardson, New Business Director at Coryton, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Partnering with Gavin and his team for this milestone highlights the transformative potential of sustainable fuels in preserving the essence of motorsport while mitigating environmental impact.”
