Abstract

With the growth of environmental consciousness over the last three decades, major automobile racing circuits in the United States and around the world have started green initiatives. This article will provide an examination of recent press reports, United Nations studies, press releases, and research to consider whether these green initiatives have made a positive difference in terms of environmental impact, or whether they are changes with little substance designed to maintain the public’s goodwill. Particularly relevant is the debate over the use of cleaner-burning fuels such as ethanol. Specifically, the question exists of whether the use of fuels with cleaner emissions outweighs problems that arise from these fuels’ production. Public perceptions of these green initiatives will also be discussed, as major racing series, such as NASCAR and the Indy Racing League, publicize initiatives in marketing efforts. Using mostly anecdotal evidence, this article is an analysis of recent literature on the subject. Implications of questions relating automobile racing to various needs for natural resources around the world are broad, as consumers, scientists, and governments must consider the long-term effects of recent drives to reduce petroleum consumption and pollution.