Racing fuels
The Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001 (petrol standard), prohibits the supply of petrol containing more than five milligrams of lead per litre. As well as lead, the petrol standard also sets restrictions on the amount of other power boosting substances, such as ethanol, MTBE and DIPE, which are often blended with petrol to make high performance specialist racing fuels.
It is normally an offence under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 (the Act) to supply petrol which does not comply with the petrol standard. However, in some circumstances, such as for legitimate motor racing purposes, an approval may be granted by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts for the supply of the fuel.
More information on how to apply for an approval
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts runs a compliance program to ensure that non compliant fuels are only supplied with an approval and that conditions on each approval are met. Heavy fines apply for offences against the Act of up to $55,000 per offence for individuals and $275,000 per offence for corporations.
More information
- Leaded racing fuels or avgas
- Specialist racing fuels
- List of motor sport associations and clubs whose members use leaded fuel and who are recognised by the Australian Government.