San Antonio, TX (July 18, 2025) — The aviation industry is on the verge of a major transformation as pressure from public health organizations and government agencies intensifies to eliminate lead from all transportation fuels. Among the most pressing targets is aviation gasoline (avgas), the last fuel in widespread use that still contains tetraethyl lead. In response, regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have identified 2030 as the target year to transition all piston-engine aircraft to unleaded fuel alternatives. These sweeping regulatory changes carry significant implications for aircraft owners, fuel producers, maintenance operations, and the broader aviation ecosystem.
Recognizing the scale and urgency of this shift, VP Racing has emerged as a proactive force within the industry. Instead of waiting for regulatory deadlines to dictate action, the company has taken strategic steps toward FAA certification of its UL100E unleaded avgas through the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative (PAFI). VP Racing’s forward-thinking approach not only underscores its leadership in fuel innovation but also positions the company as a key contributor to the modernization and sustainability of general aviation.
“At VP Racing, we’ve never waited for mandates to drive innovation; we lead with it,” said Alan Cerwick, President of VP Racing. “The shift away from leaded aviation fuels is one of the most important transitions the aviation industry has faced, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that effort. Through our work with the FAA and the PAFI program, we’re not only helping to meet regulatory goals, but ensuring that pilots, operators, and the general aviation community have a high-performance, lead-free solution ready for the future.”
By aligning its efforts with evolving federal standards, VP Racing is helping to accelerate the industry's transition while minimizing disruption. UL100E has been engineered to deliver high-octane performance without the environmental and health hazards of lead, and early test results have demonstrated its compatibility with a wide range of existing aircraft engines. This compatibility is critical, as it ensures that the vast majority of the general aviation fleet can adopt unleaded fuel without major retrofits or performance sacrifices, streamlining the path to industry-wide compliance.
For aircraft operators, maintenance professionals, and airport fuel distributors, early access to a certified unleaded solution offers tangible benefits—from regulatory peace of mind to reduced engine maintenance and improved environmental stewardship. As the industry faces a hard deadline and increasing scrutiny, VP Racing is leading with both innovation and accountability. Their efforts demonstrate that fuel providers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation, not just by meeting regulations but by setting new standards for performance, safety, and sustainability.
For more information about VP Racing and its products for racers, enthusiasts, and general consumers, visitVPRacingFuels.com
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ABOUT VP RACING
VP Racing, The World Leader in Fuel Technology®, has been fueling champions in virtually every form of motorsport on land, air, and sea since 1975. VP is the Official Fuel of the series like IMSA, NHRA, SCORE, World of Outlaws, AMA Pro Motocross, MotoAmerica, SRO GT World Challenge, Champ Offroad, American Flat Track, USF Pro, NASA, and more than 60+ other sponsored series and sanctioning bodies.
VP Racing is also well-known for its full line of consumer products, including ethanol-free small engine fuels and lubricants formulated for 2 and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment, automotive additives and octane improvers, performance coolants, appearance products, apparel, and accessories sold globally through automotive, home improvement, and online retailers. The VP brand is also represented by a program for independent operators with 350+ VP-branded gas stations, car washes, quick lubes, and marinas throughout North America. For more information, visit VPRacingFuels.com