With the push for change in our ecosystem and climate around the globe, racing sanctions and teams are taking initiative to make their carbon footprint smaller.
Formula 1 plans to be Net Zero Carbon by 2030 and NASCAR will likely adopt hybrid technology down the road when the Next-Gen car hits the track in 2022.
Enter Roush Fenway Racing, announcing on Thursday that they’ve become the first carbon-neutral NASCAR race team, with support from sponsor Castrol.
“As an organization, Roush Fenway has always been environmentally conscious,” said Roush Fenway President Steve Newmark in a media release. “Our hope with this program is to demonstrate that every business, small or large, and regardless of industry, can contribute to address global climate challenges. We hope to set an example and highlight that small steps by many can make a real difference.”
The team will celebrate the achievement this weekend with a “neutral” colored Castrol Mustang for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 at Daytona this weekend. The coloring also extends to many associate logos on the car and driver Ryan Newman’s firesuit.
Proud to announce that Roush Fenway Racing is the first carbon neutral NASCAR team, working with our friends at @CastrolUSA and led by our fearless driver @RyanJNewman #drivingforchange
For more, visit: https://t.co/JVuunRY1Kf pic.twitter.com/akJpJvGl4H
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) February 18, 2021
RFR achieved carbon neutrality for the entire organization, from operations to their two-car race team, from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, according to the PAS 2060 standard as verified by the ERM CVS.
The relationship between Castrol and RFR is centered around helping the team to better manage their greenhouse gas emissions by tracking, and reducing the emissions, and offsetting the balance with high-quality offsets.
“At Castrol, we believe that small steps together can make a difference,” said Castrol’s Vice President of Marketing Rayne Pacek. “We want to play our part and teaming up with Roush Fenway to achieve their carbon neutral ambitions is a notable milestone in the sport and another step in supporting our partners in their efforts to drive change.”
Additionally, Castrol Motor Oil plans to expand its carbon-neutral product race according to a media release, as well as reduce the carbon used in production and offering expanded services.
This marks the first time that a NASCAR race team has been deemed carbon neutral.
“It’s an honor to pave the way in the sport and bring awareness to the importance of reducing your carbon footprint,” said Ryan Newman. “Every business can make choices to help promote a more sustainable future and this program makes me proud to be part of a team that takes the initiative to drive change.”
Fans can see the No. 6 Castrol Mustang on track this weekend in Daytona for the O’Reilly 253 on the Daytona road course. Coverage begins at 3PM EST on FOX and the FOX Sports App.
