MEDIA RELEASE- For Immediate Release, October 24 2005

ELF RACE FUELS AUSTRALIA PASSES ITS CHAMP CAR CHALLENGE

Months of preparation by Elf Race Fuels Australia were put to the test at the Lexmark Indy 300, where they served the role of control fuel supplier of the racing methanol used by the Champ Cars.

Playing their part in the smooth running of the event, the test was passed with flying colours.

Elf Race Fuels Australia staff worked with Champ Car teams and series staff in the lead-up to and during the event - rain, hail or shine - to ensure that the nineteen cars in the penultimate round of the Champ Car World Series had high quality racing methanol to fuel their 750hp engines.

“I think it has all gone very well,” said Phillip Mutton, Elf Race Fuels Australia’s Queensland distributor. “We had a few minor teething problems early, which was to be expected on the learning curve, but other than that it has been good.”

One of the more important check-points for the weekend was Friday morning’s first Champ Car practice session. It was the first time Elf Australia’s premium quality racing methanol, of which there was over 23,000 litres worth onsite, would be put to the test in a race weekend.

“It was a very pleasing feeling to see the cars take to the track for the first time, but also a very nervous feeling, because our fuel is slightly different in blending to what they have used out here previously,” Mutton explained. “But I’ve spoken to Cosworth technicians, and they seem quite happy with the product we have supplied.”

With the event now under its belt, Elf Race Fuels Australia is keen to continue to play a part in the event in years to come.

“Judging by the positive feedback we have received, I feel fairly confident that we will get the contract extended, which would be great. This has been a long learning curve, and we are much wiser now for it. Should we be in this role again in the future, there is no doubt it will still be a lot of work, but it will be a lot easier to pull everything together.”

The satisfying and trouble-free weekend was the result of meticulous planning and organisation in the lead-up to the event, and teamwork onsite during the course of the race weekend.

“I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to what has gone on this weekend. Everyone from Elf Australia, the tanker and forklift operators we have had helping us out, they have all pulled together for long days, short nights and a steep learning curve,” said Mutton.

“IMG, CAMS and everyone from Champ Car have also been absolutely wonderful to deal with and we have had very favourable reports on our work. I can’t stress enough how good it was to work with them all for the event.

“We thank them immensely for their co-operation and assistance and look forward to working with them again in the future.”

With the event run and won - Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais claimed the victory and wrapped up his second consecutive Champ Car crown - there is no time for Elf Race Fuels Australia to take it easy.

It is straight back into action with the final round of the Australian Rally Championship, a championship for which Elf Race Fuels Australia are the control fuel supplier, being run at Bathurst this weekend.

For more information on Elf Race Fuels Australia’s product range and how they can play a part in your motorsport program, head to www.racefuels.com.au or contact your local distributor;

New South Wales: Tony Hatton, Hi -Tec Fuels Pty Ltd, 02 4659 6396
Queensland: Phil Mutton, Motorsport Fuels QLD, 07 3269 6823
South Australia: Craig Rundle, Performance Fuels SA, 1300 726 084
Tasmania: Dean Bucknell, Devonport Performance Tyres, 03 6427 0700
Victoria: Mark Tierney, Race Fuels Pty Ltd, 03 9686 2273

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Media Resources

Elf Race Fuels Australia tanker on the streets of the Gold Coast as part of the 2005 Lexmark Indy 300 in their role of control methanol race fuel supplier. (Copyright free for editorial use, click for high-res)