NASCAR All-Star Race CO2 Emissions Vs. Average American CO2 Emissions

Harry Sadoun Sports Betting Expert

1 minute read

Last year, NASCAR announced plans to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2035.  NASCAR is already taking the right step by providing water filling stations throughout the tracks for fans to encourage them to bring reusable bottles and recycling bins are being positioned throughout the areas for NASCAR viewers. But here at VegasInsider,  we wanted to know just how much NASCAR's stars, the cars, emit compared to the average American annual car usage. By dissecting the most popular NASCAR events in May, a pivotal time for NASCAR with events like the All-Star Races and the Coca-Cola 600, we compared the volume of emissions  during these popular events to the average emissions per US driver by state. To say the least, it is clear that NASCAR's goal of achieving zero net operating emissions by 2035 is crucial for the environment.

Before we delve into the details about the NASCAR events being held in North Carolina, please feel free to check out our list of the best  North Carolina Sportsbooks  and find below a chart displaying various metrics for each race being compared, including total miles driven per driver, number of drivers, total emissions in grams and kilograms, and more.

All 50 States Generate Less CO2 Than Coca-Cola 600 Drivers

Each year, the average US citizen in every state generates approximately 5865.44 kilograms of CO2, with the baseline being 400 grams of CO2 per mile for your everyday car. Wyoming citizens top the list, emitting 9627.6 kilograms, while Alaska citizens emit the least, at 4444.4 kilograms, according to Trusted Choice, where we found the average annual mileage per state. However, during notable NASCAR events like the Coca-Cola 600 and the NASCAR All-Star Open and NASCAR All-Star Race held in May, the special cars used significantly escalate emissions, averaging 2722 grams per mile—nearly 7 times the average emissions of an average car. The Coca-Cola 600, covering 600 miles or 400 laps (equivalent to 22,200 miles), stands out as a major contributor to emissions, with 37 drivers generating approximately 60428.4 kilograms of emissions—about ten times the annual average of an individual U.S citizen. In contrast, the combined emissions from the All-Star Open and All-Star Race each total approximately 3572.625 kilograms, roughly 1.5 times less than the Coca-Cola 600 alone. This particular race not only surpasses emissions from all 50 states but also outpaces both the All-Star Race and All-Star Open combined. See the graph below for a visual comparison of the Coca-Cola 600 and all 50 states.

Which Generates More? NASCAR All-Star Races or The U.S Capitol Citizens

In 2022, reported by TrustedChoice.com,  District of Columbia residents had an average annual mileage of 7,013 miles per person, resulting in an estimated emissions of 2805.2 kilograms when using our baseline of 400 grams per mile. Comparatively, both NASCAR All-Star events held in May, the All-Star Race and All-Star Open, collectively produce 7145.25 kilograms of emissions, with 42 drivers participating in both events, totaling 2625 miles potentially being driven. This single weekend of NASCAR events generates approximately twice as much emissions than the District of Columbia alone collectively and separately.

NASCAR All-Star Weekend & Coca-Cola 600 Approximately Yield 67573.65kg Emissions

The All-Star Race and All-Star Open alone contribute approximately 3572.62 kilograms of emissions each  while the Coca-Cola event brings in a whopping 60428.4 kilograms. To call NASCAR's carbon footprint huge would be an understatement. However, when compared to the collective emissions of the average US citizen, which stands at 299,137 kilograms, the environmental impact of May's NASCAR events pales in comparison. Making it  evident that the carbon footprint of the entire United States plays a far more significant role each year. 

If you found this information interesting but not into NASCAR races, that's okay! Feel free to take a look at our bet365 Bonus Code for other sports and casinos.

Methodology

The estimation of emissions from NASCAR All-Star events and the Coca-Cola 600 race is based on data provided by oilprice.com and epa.gov. According to their information, we were able to find on average how many miles were being used annually approximately for each individual in each state and determine each gallon of fuel burned in a NASCAR race car emits approximately 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of carbon dioxide, resulting in about 120,000 pounds (54,431 kilograms) of emissions for a race weekend. Considering the Coca-Cola 600 race distance of 500 miles, this equates to an average of 6 pounds of CO2 emitted per mile per car. Converting this value from pounds to grams yields approximately 2721.55 grams of CO2 emitted per mile per car. VegasInsider used these calculations to compare and contrast emissions being emitted from each individual in each state and participants in the All-Star events and Coca-Cola 600.

Check out our guides for the best sportsbook bonus available when you're looking to bet on NASCAR.

Harry Sadoun

Harry Sadoun is a seasoned sports betting expert with a wealth of experience in the iGaming and sports betting industry. Over the past 5 years, he has established himself as a go-to source for insightful analysis and predictions at Vegasinsider. With a passion for sports, Harry specializes in football, basketball, tennis, rugby, and soccer, showcasing a diverse understanding of athletic competitions. Harry's unique approach to sports betting is rooted in a combination of statistical analysis, in-depth research, and a keen understanding of the dynamics that influence game outcomes. His expert opinions and strategic insights have made him a trusted voice in the industry, guiding both novice and seasoned bettors alike. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information, Harry Sadoun continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, providing enthusiasts with the tools they need to make informed decisions. More from Harry Sadoun