NASCAR is looking at switching to some form of alternative fuel for its racers… but what kind is still up in the air.

This article in the St. Petersburg (Florida) Times says NASCAR’s chief Brian France made the announcement during his annual midseason conference call:

France said because there are “eight or nine different versions of what alternative fuels mean to people, ” the ultimate solution will be determined by the marketplace, meaning the automotive and energy industries will play a major role.

France suggested that NASCAR – which used leaded fuel in the Nextel Cup series until this season – wasn’t so much attempting to recoup the public relations advantage the Indy Racing League had gained by using ethanol, but act on a newfound concern for the environment, saying “it’s important for us to be in step and lead when we can.”

France says when you consider the continuing rise in gas prices and the harm carbon-based fuels have on the environment, the switch only makes sense.