Innovation isn’t just welcomed in Motorsport; it’s a relentless pursuit. This narrative finds a curious chapter in the evolution of motorsport batteries — a component as vital as it is cumbersome and potentially hazardous. Tucked away in the annals of racing and aviation history is a tale of unexpected ingenuity, where the answer to a longstanding problem came from a source as mundane as kitty litter. This is the story of the Varley Green Top battery, a marvel of engineering that owes its existence to both the racetrack and the skies.
The relationship between motorsport and aviation technologies is hardly a secret. Both realms demand lightweight yet resilient components that can withstand extreme conditions — from the scorching heat of an engine bay to the icy reaches of high altitude. It’s a testament to this shared DNA that many innovations find their way from the hangar to the pit lane. Varley, a name synonymous with high-performance batteries, serves as a prime example. Born out of the necessity for safer, more reliable power sources in aircraft, Varley Red Top batteries quickly became a staple in racing, starting with their aerospace-derived Green Top model.
The journey of the Varley battery from aircraft to Formula 1 is a story of necessity and innovation. Traditional lead-acid batteries regularly leak sulphuric acid when disturbed, posed a significant risk in both aircraft and race cars. The consequences of an acid spill in the event of a crash could be as dire as the crash itself. Enter the Varley Green Top, with its groundbreaking design that featured a larger number of thinner plates for improved cranking performance and, most notably, the use of fuller’s earth to immobilize the liquid electrolyte.
Fuller’s earth, a substance better known to some for its role in cat litter, was key to Varley’s innovation. This natural clay-like material, capable of absorbing significant amounts of liquid, was used to secure the sulphuric acid within the battery. This not only mitigated the risk of leaks but also allowed the batteries to be mounted in various orientations without fear of spillage — a critical advantage in the tightly packed and meticulously balanced confines of a race car.
The connection between Varley and motorsport extends beyond the technical. Varley batteries first soared to fame in the 1950s, equipped in Royal Air Force aircraft and marking their presence in history by going supersonic on the Fairey Delta 2. The transition from air to asphalt was as much a testament to the batteries’ unparalleled performance as it was to the shared technological heritage of aviation and racing. This cross-pollination of industries has not only propelled motorsport to new heights but has also underscored the importance of safety and reliability in high-stakes environments.
Today, the legacy of the Varley Green Top lives on in its successor, the Red Top. These batteries continue to power high-level competition, from the rally stages to the F1 circuits, proving that the spirit of innovation that once led to the use of kitty litter in battery design still drives the quest for performance and safety in motorsport.
Interex Motorsport is a proud distributor of Varley Red Top batteries. Please contact us for advice and a competitive quotation.