San Antonio, TX (November 30, 2023) – VP Racing Fuels, Inc., regarded worldwide as the leader in performance fuel products, and LyondellBasell, a global producer and supplier of chemicals, polymers, and fuel components, have achieved a groundbreaking accomplishment by reaching a significant milestone in the collaborative development of unleaded aviation fuel.
VP Racing and LyondellBasell joined forces in 2018 to develop an unleaded aviation gasoline (avgas) in response to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) invitation for new fuel offerors to enter the Piston Engine Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI) program. The latest version of the fuel recently passed a critical 150-hour durability test in a turbocharged Continental piston engine. This is the first unleaded fuel to pass this test and qualify for full-scale testing in the FAA's rigorous PAFI program.
"VP Racing is excited to announce this revolutionary achievement," said Alan Cerwick, President & CEO of VP Racing. "Working with chemical industry leader LyondellBasell, our Research & Development Team has accomplished a once-elusive deliverable for the FAA. We look forward to working tenaciously toward the next milestone phases in this development."
"Passing Stage Gate III of the FAA's PAFI test plan moves the fuel into full-scale testing in a number of engines and aircraft that represent a broad spectrum of general aviation (GA) technologies and materials. Our teams will also work with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), pilots, distributors, and regulatory bodies to seek authorization for the unleaded fuel for GA use as a replacement for 100 Low-lead (100LL)." Cerwick added.
"LyondellBasell appreciates our close collaboration with VP Racing Fuels, the FAA, and general aviation stakeholders during the fuel development and testing process," said Kim Foley, Executive Vice President, Intermediates & Derivatives, Refining, and Supply Chain for LyondellBasell. "We look forward to our continued collaboration to complete the testing program required for fleetwide approval by the FAA."
Over the next couple of years, VP Racing Fuels and LyondellBasell expect to secure FAA fleetwide authorization for the use of this new unleaded fuel in general aviation piston aircraft, followed by a gradual rollout and eventual replacement of 100LL in the following years.
For more information on the FAA's initiative for the unleaded GA future, visit the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) website, https://flyeagle.org. For more information about VP Racing and its products for racers, enthusiasts, and general consumers, visit www.VPRacingFuels.com.
About VP Racing
VP Racing is best known as the World Leader in Fuel Technology®, fueling champions in virtually every form of motorsport on land, sea, and air since 1975.
VP is the Official Racing Fuel of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, MotoAmerica, World Racing Group, World of Outlaws, Fanatec GT World Challenge America, AMA Supercross, American Flat Track, SCORE, USAC, NMCA/NMRA, and more than 60 sponsored series and sanctioning bodies. VP is also the official performance coolant of IMSA, American Flat Track, and ATVMX.
VP also sells a full line of consumer products, including ethanol-free VP outdoor equipment fuels formulated for 2 and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment, lubricants, VP Madditive® automotive performance additives, Stay Frosty® performance coolants, car appearance products, and accessories through national home improvement, automotive parts, and online retailers. The company also offers a program to independent operators of convenience stores and gas stations, car wash, quick lube, and marinas to brand as VP Racing and resell the company's race fuel and a full range of automotive performance and outdoor small engine products. For more information, visit VPRacingFuels.com.
VP Racing Media Contact: Steve Ward, AVGASPR@vpracingfuels.com or 210-635-7744.
About LyondellBassell
We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit LyondellBasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.
Media Contact: LyondellBasell Media Relations, mediarelations@lyb.com or +1 (713) 309-7575.
Forward-Looking Statements for LyondellBasell
The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.
Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the successful passage of full-scale testing, the ability obtain FAA and other regulatory authorization for use, and the successful commercial rollout of the fuel developed. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.