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OMV CNG Rally Team on Podium for First Time – Third Place for Harrach

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Austria

Environment wins too – 100% biomethane knocks out GHG emissions
NGV VW Golf makes ninth place
 

The pioneering OMV CNG Rally Team has pulled their best result ever, coming third and reaching their top three target in the Castrol Judenburg-Pölstal Rally in Austria last week. The result comes in spite of problems with the engine performance early on in the event but further cements the future of compressed natural gas (CNG) in international rally sport. Further affirming the position of CNG in rally sport was Hannes Danzinger, who drove his CNG fuelled VW Golf into 9th place at the event.

Team driver Beppo Harrach said the vehicle did not get off to a good start after difficulties mustering up enough engine performance: “We realized that would couldn’t change anything so we just tried to make the best of the situation. We drove very hard to keep up with the leaders, but were also very careful on the gravel sections. I am speechless at the result. When the project was launched over a year ago, we would not have thought it possible.”

Problem identified

The developer of the OMV Mitsubishi Evo CNG engine, Günther Aschacher, said engine problems had caused considerable difficulty for some time but data collected in recent events helped pinpoint the problem which will be addressed for further events. “We compared the data and I think that the oil valve for adjusting the camshaft was not working properly.” To solve the problem the entire engine has to be dismantled, however, which, of course, was not possible during the rally. “Despite the problem,” adds Aschacher, “it was nevertheless a milestone for rally cars using an alternative power source. I am firmly convinced that we’ll have a lot of enjoyment with this car.”

Stohl-Racing boss Manfred Stohl also added his congratulations: “The entire team has worked very hard for this success. I am very happy to see that it has paid off for them. I am also very proud that we backed the right technology and, despite our small size, have been able to implement it so effectively.”100 per cent biogasFor the first time the OMV CNG rally team used 100 per cent pure biomethane (refined biogas), which is a fully renewable CO2-neutral energy source made entirely from agricultural waste. Harrach: “We are aware that motor sport should also make a contribution to environmental protection. CNG is a first step in that direction.”

Source: NGV Global