Carbon-neutral fuel (CNF) is seen as the saviour in keeping the internal combustion engine alive but for now, they are exorbitantly expensive for commercial use. Yet, because of its potential, some carmakers have decided to participate in races around the world with machines powered by this alternate fuel source.

Following the footsteps of Toyota and Honda, Nissan announced that it will enter the upcoming 2023 Fuji 24-hour endurance race in a Nissan Z Racing Concept which runs on CNF. The event will take place this weekend, 26- to 28-May 2023 at Fuji Speedway.

The Nismo team will enter the ST-Q class for development vehicles in a specially-modified Nissan Z GT4 race car with enhanced aerodynamics and cooling system parts aside from being powered by carbon-neutral fuel.

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The aim of this race, according to Nissan’s press release, is to collect data for race car and aftermarket part development as well as to expand the experience with CNF. Nissan had previously announced its aim to achieve carbon neutrality throughout its product life cycle by fiscal year 2050.

The carmaker is currently participating in the Formula E World Championship race series and is looking to enter more carbon-neutral motorsport events in the future.

However, this isn’t the first time that Nissan participated in an endurance race with a CNF-powered car. Last year in 2022, the Nismo team entered that season’s Fuji 24 Hours in a similar CNF-powered Nissan Z race car. Car number 230 finished fifth in its class that year ahead of the hydrogen-powered GR Corolla driven by ex-Toyota CEO, Akio Toyoda.

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