Alternative Fuels Get the Green Flag

Nitrocross NEXT EVO Brings Fossil-Free Fuels to Richmond Raceway

The Nitrocross NEXT EVO cars line up for the start of the Final. Photo Credit: Missie Hurst

By: Zack Hurst

Richmond Raceway was once again filled with the roar of engines this past weekend as Nitrocross, a high-intensity RallyCross-like racing series founded by action sports icon Travis Pastrana, amazed fans with fast cars, thrilling jumps, and electrifying action. And that sound, that glorious roar... many race fans are worried that as racing transitions to eco-friendly solutions, like battery electric vehicles, the sound they have grown to love will be a thing of the past. However, even with the most adrenaline-pumping industries are shifting gears, there are some race series, like Nitrocross, that are leading the way with a strong commitment to sustainability without doing away with what race fans love.

While the SxS (Side-by-Side) class garners its fair share of attention, the Group E all-electric cars and NEXT EVO class vehicles are quickly becoming fan favorites. The NEXT EVO class, in particular, represents a bold step into a sustainable future, combining 100% fossil-free fuel with the spectacle and sound that race fans crave.

NEXT EVO: Fossil-Free Power Meets Performance with a Growl
At the heart of the NEXT EVO class is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of generating up to 550 horsepower using Nitro Boost push-to-pass technology. While the engine's raw power is impressive, what truly sets the NEXT EVO apart is the fossil-free eco-fuel it runs on—a fuel specifically designed to drastically reduce the environmental impact of racing. This eco-fuel cuts 80% of CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels and contains no ethanol, a key differentiator from other biofuels like ethanol-blended gasoline​.

What Is Fossil-Free Fuel?
The fossil-free fuel used in the NEXT EVO is part of a new generation of sustainable fuels. While specific details about the proprietary blend used in these vehicles are limited, this fuel generally falls into a broader category of synthetic and bio-based fuels. These fuels are designed to match the performance of gasoline and diesel while producing significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which are derived from oil, fossil-free fuels are often created from renewable resources such as biomass, waste oils, or through synthetic processes like carbon capture paired with renewable energy sources​.

In the high-performance world of Nitrocross, the eco-fuel ensures that the cars maintain their explosive power, thrilling acceleration, and spectacular roar while reducing the environmental footprint typically associated with motorsports. This reflects a broader trend in the racing world, where sustainable innovations are being integrated without compromising on performance.

Credit: Missie Hurst

Zero Ethanol
A defining feature of the NEXT EVO's fossil-free fuel is that it contains zero ethanol. Ethanol is widely used in many biofuels to reduce emissions, but it comes with several drawbacks in motorsports. Ethanol-blended fuels tend to have a lower energy density, meaning they provide less energy per gallon than traditional gasoline, potentially impacting performance. Additionally, ethanol can increase the water content in a fuel system, which can lead to corrosion over time. By opting for a zero-ethanol fuel, the NEXT EVO provides a cleaner burn without the potential trade-offs​.

Beyond CO2: Reducing All Pollutants
In addition to cutting CO2 emissions by 80%, the fossil-free fuel used in NEXT EVO cars also reduces other harmful emissions typically associated with internal combustion engines. These include nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, both of which are significant contributors to air pollution and respiratory issues.

Sustainability Beyond the Fuel: Upcycled Components
Nitrocross' commitment to sustainability doesn't stop with fuel though. The NEXT EVO vehicles are built using upcycled components from earlier models, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing brand-new race cars. This approach not only benefits the environment but also helps reduce costs for racing teams, making the series more accessible to emerging talent​. By focusing on reusing parts and cutting costs, Nitrocross is encouraging a new generation of drivers to step up without facing the high financial barriers often associated with motorsport.

Credit: Missie Hurst

What Do Fans Think?
Race fans want spectacle. While all-electric vehicles have certainly proven that they can pack a performance punch, the experience of watching in person isn't the same as with other fuels. There is something primal that goes on when you hear a dozen engines fire up and rev... it gets your heart pumping and puts you on the edge of your seat. You just don't get that with race vehicles that don't make any noise. The ground doesn't rumble as the field roars past. Many race fans are worried about the future of motorsport. Worried that they will lose the aspects of racing that they have grown to love so much. Well... maybe they don't have to lose that after all.

The Future of Motorsport
Nitrocross, through its NEXT EVO class, is proving that the future of racing doesn't have to be limited to electric vehicles alone. While the all-electric Group E class is increasingly popular, the use of fossil-free fuel in the NEXT EVO class demonstrates that sustainable combustion engines can still play a role in motorsports. The series shows that sustainability and a healthy engine roar are not mutually exclusive.