Love racing but concerned about the sport's environmental impact? Idemitsu presents its innovative Plantech Racing engine oil, which utilizes plant-based raw materials for over 80% of its base oil, aiming to significantly lower the carbon footprint. This formulation shows remarkable potential, with a carbon footprint 82% lower than that of mineral oil.

Idemitsu's Green Solution for Racing - 82% Lower Carbon Footprint

Performance and Certification

First announced in August, Plantech Racing oil not only guarantees track day performance but also meets the stringent new SP certification from the American Petroleum Institute, which was made official this year. The Japanese petrochemical giant incorporates molybdenum to reduce power loss due to frictional resistance. It also uses "high-viscosity plant-based esters" that thicken the oil film, enhancing protection performance. This combination ensures that the oil can handle the intense demands of racing.In a grueling 5-hour Suzuka Super Taikyu Endurance Race in Japan this September, a Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster CNF concept car powered by Plantech Racing oil demonstrated its mettle. This event tested the oil's durability and performance under extreme conditions, highlighting its suitability for similar races.

Racing vs. Road Car Oil - Different Formulations

Race car oil formulations have specific regulations and differ from those made for road cars. Race car engines are designed to deliver maximum power while operating at full throttle throughout a race, generating a lot of heat and pressure. They require an oil change every 500 miles (804 km) as they are not concerned with efficiency or longevity like road cars. Road cars, on the other hand, can use the same engine oil for 5,000 to 20,000 miles due to fully synthetic formulations and new chemical processes.Other factors that distinguish racing engine oil from road car engine oil include engine design (materials used, metal-to-metal contact), viscosities, permitted additives, and zinc content (ZDDP). ZDDP boosts performance in racecars without catalytic converters but can damage street-legal cars with converter-equipped exhausts in large quantities. All these factors emphasize that racing oils are formulated for performance vehicles and demanding circumstances and should not be used in regular cars.

Availability and Cost

If you're in Thailand, Australia, Singapore, or Malaysia, you can now get your hands on Plantech Racing oil. A liter (0.264 gal) costs about US$67, which is about double the price of Idemitsu's IFG7 oil for turbocharged cars with a similar 0W-20 viscosity grade. While it's not a zero-emission solution, every effort to reduce the carbon footprint in the racing world is a step in the right direction.Source: Idemitsu via Business Wire