There are various forms of motorsport racing, from amateur go-karting up and down the country to international circuits such as Formula 1.
Although bottled gases are not an instant association when thinking about motorsports, they play a significant part in the industry. We explore how our high-quality products are used in motorsports.
Tyre Inflation in Motorsports
One of the primary uses of gas in the motorsport industry is the use of nitrogen gas bottles for the inflation of tyres. Nitrogen is a very stable inert gas that offers little danger to users and has many benefits for tyre inflation. Atmospheric air, consisting of 78% nitrogen, also contains a variety of other gases, such as oxygen. Tyre pressure changes with the ambient temperate; the air inside will expand with heat and contract in colder temperatures. In the UK, we see a significant amount of temperature fluctuation throughout the year. Pure nitrogen, like normal air, will expand and contract in these fluctuating levels but does so at a slower rate and will retain the correct pressure for longer.
For this reason, nitrogen is commonly used among professionals taking part in motorsport racing. It offers much more consistency and will provide much more stability with the heat of the track from friction.
Welding in Motorsports
In many motorsports, welding is a necessity between races. The primary example of this is within banger racing. As drivers compete to be the first to cross the line, they are subjected to many bumps and scrapes, including deliberate crashes. This can damage the car significantly, and it must be in working order to continue competing in the next race.
Having a supply of TIG or MIG welding gas in the pits allows the pit crew to have the car fully working in time to race again. Welding is also helpful in modifying the vehicle. Like with most racing, there are specifications which must be adhered to before entering your car. For rally driving, this includes taking out much of the interior and installing a roll bar or cage for the driver’s safety. This will be done prior to entering the race and will need welding. So, having good quality bottled gas is essential for the driver’s safety.
Fire Extinguishers in Motorsports
Although filled with adrenalin and excitement, motorsports can be very dangerous and put lives at risk. Especially in Formula 1, a considerable risk is taken each time a driver sits in the car. One of the risks entailed in driving, especially at high speeds, is fires. Many motorsports’ vehicles are fitted with a range of electrical components, which bumps, and scrapes can loosen or break, resulting in an electrical fire. This is highly dangerous, especially as flame or heat near the petrol tank could cause the vehicle to explode.
CO2 offers the best way to extinguish an electrical fire, as water could cause serious harm to the components and put anyone in the vicinity of the fire at risk for electrocution. For this reason, many pit crews have an array of fire extinguishers for all types, including CO2 fire extinguishers. Although our CO2 gas bottles are not for fire extinguishing, they offer another great use within other facilities of the circuit venue.
Beer and Cellar Gas
Along with most motorsports, there is usually a crowd of spectators, and although alcohol is illegal for the drivers, for the thousands of visitors to the track, a cold beverage is often desired. Whether a pop-up tent is serving beers or an onsite pub, they will have a supply of beer and cellar gas to get the right consistency and great-tasting beer.
CO2 is also used to dispense soft drinks like lemonade and cola. Carbon dioxide is added to the concentrate under very high pressure. When the pressure is released as the condensed beverage and gas mix in the beer lines, it produces carbonated bubbles throughout the drink, offering the perfect cold refreshment as you cheer on the drivers. Without high-quality CO2, carbonated beverages will be flat and ultimately less enjoyable.
The Future of Gas in Motorsports
It’s no secret that motorsports are a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. However, like with most industries, the motorsport world is looking at its carbon footprint and trying to understand how to improve to reduce its impact on the planet. Fossil fuels still power most vehicles, and unfortunately, many sectors of the sport are a long way off from finding a suitable alternative fuel. The switch to electricity could cause issues during the racing.
Despite this, there have been some significant strides within motorsports that go as far back as 2004 with the introduction of LPG fuelled vehicles. This conversion doesn’t reduce the vehicle’s performance, and although it is still a fossil fuel, LPG is much more environmentally friendly. There are, of course, more recent discoveries that could assist in fuelling motorsport vehicles, including fuel cells, hydrogen, and the use of CO2. Still, without further investigation and more accessible applications, liquid petroleum options such as butane gas is an instant and easy conversion to reduce emissions.
High-Quality Bottled Gases
Whether you are looking for TIG welding gas to fix cars up or high-quality beer and cellar gas to provide the thousands of spectators at the side of the track, you need the best-bottled gas available. This is where we can help. All our bottled gases are thoroughly checked before sale so that we know they are free from contaminants and offer the best performance. You can order our products online, or feel free to enquire about more regular and contractual needs.
