Minnesota: On July 20 through 23, four nights of racing excitement will take place on a series of tracks across Minnesota, with the objective of putting the spotlight on the high-performance racing fuel that's also good for the environment-ethanol. With only slight modifications, race cars can take advantage of the 105-plus octane of high ethanol blends, and also experience less wear and tear on the engine because the fuel burns cooler than conventional racing fuel. Governor Tim Pawlenty is urging his fellow Minnesotans to show their support for renewable fuels by attending this event, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA). The series of races begins at KRA Speedway in Willmar on Wednesday, July 20, moves to Madison Speedway in Madison on Thursday, July 21, and then on to Fiesta City Speedway in Montevideo on Friday, July 22, and finishes up at the Viking Speedway in Alexandria on Saturday, July 23.

Maryland/Virginia: Not sure where to fuel up your flexible fuel vehicle? Look no further. Maryland and Virginia have made it easy for E85 users by becoming the first states on the East Coast to tout signs directing you to E85 stations. Watch for these new signs that have been installed on highways and streets pointing flexible fuel vehicle drivers to the E85 alternative fuel stations.

Michigan: As Mark Thomas looks to gain points for the International Hot Rod Association Championship, he will be traveling to Michigan to compete in two National racing events. Thomas and his Ethanol Performs Dodge Avenger will be at Milan Dragway in Milan, Mich. July 15-17 to compete in the Third Annual Motor City Nationals. Thomas will return to Michigan August 12-14 for the Torco Trace Fuels Northern Nationals at the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Mich. Thomas’ dragster, the Ethanol Performs Dodge Avenger, runs on ethanol, 200 proof alcohol fuel. Ethanol, which has an octane rating of 113, is burned by the Ethanol Performs Dodge Avenger and is a renewable fuel made from corn. Other Funny Car competitors use methanol as their high octane fuel.

Illinois: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill) was in Rockford, Rochelle and Yorkville to promote the provisions in the recently-passed Senate energy bill that would expand Illinois’ ethanol market and help begin to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. John Kuhfuss, Vice President of Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and producer from Mackinaw joined the Senator and was on hand to offer his support for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).