Running the first diesel-powered car at Targa in 2007, Team Punto will now contest the six-day race using Smorgon Fuels’ BioMax B20 biodiesel in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
Finishing second outright at Targa in the two-wheel drive Showroom category last year, team driver Phil Buggee said biodiesel will reduce its CO2 and air pollutant emissions.
“Smorgon Fuels’ BioMax biodiesel is a renewable fuel predominantly made from used cooking oil, along with animal fats (tallow) and other oilseeds,†Mr Buggee said.
“While competing in one of the toughest tarmac rallies in the world, in one of the most pristine environments in the world, it’s reassuring that we’ll be reducing our CO2 and air pollutant emissions with biodiesel.
“We will be aiming to complete Targa using less than 200 litres of BioMax biodiesel, a fuel which meets Targa Tasmania’s initiatives of reduction and offsetting,†he said.
BioMax B20 is a blend of 20 per cent biodiesel mixed with mineral diesel that reduces CO2 emissions by 15 per cent. It also exceeds the Australian Diesel and Biodiesel Fuel Standard.
Targa Tasmania 2009, the 18th running of the world-renowned event, begins with a prologue through the streets of Georgetown on Tuesday, April 28, with the action proper getting underway the next day.
While primarily based in Launceston, the event will have an overnight stop in Strahan on the west coast of the Apple Isle, before finishing in the capital, Hobart, on Sunday, May 3.
BioMax is available through selected outlets in Melbourne and regional Victoria, see www.biomaxfuels.com.au for details.