Ethanol Takes the Stage as IRL Kicks off 2006 Season (3-23-06)

Ethanol makes its grand entrance on the racing scene this weekend as the Indy Racing League (IRL) kicks off the 2006 season on March 26 with the Toyota Indy 300 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the decision by IRL to use America’s clean-burning, renewable fuel.

The 650-horsepower cars will run on E-10, a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent methanol, for 14 races this year. In 2007, the cars will run on 100 percent ethanol.

“These teams know engines and they know their business,” said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Ethanol Committee Chairman Bruce Noel. “They wouldn’t use ethanol if it didn't perform. Availability and quality were considered, and ethanol and renewable fuels won.”

E-10 is approved for use by every major automotive manufacturer. Noel said the IRL will give ethanol exposure throughout the season and educate consumers.

“What better way is there to promote ethanol than by having a racing series use it in their engines?” he said. “Having the IRL use this fuel is a great way to make consumers aware of its benefits and its performance capabilities.”

Ethanol has been proven to be a better cleaner-burning fuel than regular unleaded gasoline, has a higher octane rating and reduces carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 25 percent.

Paul Dana’s car is the No. 17 Team Ethanol IndyCar.