NASCAR has announced a new partnership with biofuel producer POET that will bring zero-carbon bioethanol into its race fuel. The agreement, revealed February 13, 2026, makes NASCAR the first major motorsports series to use zero-carbon bioethanol in competition fuel blended with Sunoco’s supply.
The change is part of NASCAR’s wider environmental strategy under its IMPACT program, which focuses on reducing emissions while maintaining performance. Series officials say the new fuel keeps the same high-octane standards teams already use.
The deal also adds visible branding at tracks and on race equipment during the 2026 season.
NASCAR Confirms Fuel Partnership With POET
NASCAR named POET its Official Bioethanol Partner. The organization said POET’s technology will supply zero-carbon bioethanol that blends into Sunoco race fuel, reinforcing NASCAR’s focus on innovation, performance, and environmental goals.
Eric Nyquist, NASCAR Chief Impact Officer, explained the reasoning behind the move. “The partnership with POET reflects our commitment to leverage our platform as a real-world proving ground for innovation. It will bring zero-carbon bioethanol to our Sunoco race fuel blend, helping to drive performance on and off the track for NASCAR.”
POET produces more than three billion gallons of bioethanol each year and uses biotechnology and agricultural resources to create American-made fuel. NASCAR noted that this production scale supports domestic energy supply and rural communities.
The fuel’s performance benefits were also emphasized by POET founder and CEO Jeff Broin. He said bioethanol delivers high octane under demanding race conditions and now does so with zero carbon intensity, calling it a change that helps power a new era of racing.
Visible Changes Coming to NASCAR Tracks
The partnership includes new branding elements that fans will notice during races. Beginning this season, NASCAR-owned tracks will feature the “POET Restart Zone,” placing the company’s name at one of the most important moments in each race restart.
POET branding will also appear on NASCAR fuel cans alongside Sunoco, the long-time official fuel partner. NASCAR stated that these placements embed bioethanol more directly into the sport’s competition environment and broadcast coverage.
The rollout starts during the 2026 season and applies across NASCAR-owned facilities. NASCAR did not announce changes to race rules or engine setups tied to the new fuel, indicating teams will continue using the existing system. At the same time, the bioethanol component integrates into the supply.
Role of Bioethanol in NASCAR’s Sustainability Plans
NASCAR links the POET agreement to its NASCAR IMPACT initiative, which invests in projects designed to reduce environmental impact across racing operations. Officials say renewable fuels help lower carbon intensity while maintaining the performance standards required at the top level of motorsports.
According to the release, bioethanol offers cleaner combustion and lower carbon intensity while keeping strong engine performance. NASCAR also described the fuel as a “home fuel” advantage because it connects an American racing series with energy produced by American farmers and manufacturers.
Information from POET adds that its zero-carbon bioethanol is made from American-grown grain and produced at commercial scale in bioprocessing facilities across the Midwest, supporting large-scale supply for the sport.
NASCAR Forms Partnership to Bring Zero-Carbon Bioethanol to Race Fuel in 2026