Le Mans takes green racing challenge

Racing cars and environmental protection are not natural bedfellows – bit like the lion lying down with the lamb, if you will – although everyone at the Detroit motor show has been trying to convince us otherwise. Now it’s motor racing’s turn.

The American Le Mans Series reaffirmed its position as motorsports’ global leader in alternative fuels today by announcing that it is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy and SAE International to incorporate “green racing” principles into its 2008 racing season. The American Le Mans Series will be the first motorsports series to meet the criteria for green racing being developed by these groups.

Exciting stuff no? And just what are those criteria you might ask. Greenbang wondered too. The answer:

Protocols and criteria for the Green Racing Challenge award are being developed by the EPA and DOE along with SAE International and the Series and will be announced later this spring.

The spring? It looks like the racing industry saves moving fast for just the track.