A home-grown approach to racing fuel: NASCAR and ethanol

NASCAR announced over the weekend that it will use a 15 percent corn-based ethanol fuel blend in all its racing circuits starting next year – the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

The announcement came just days after EPA said it would allow blends up to E15 to be used for newer model cars.

Sunoco Green E15 – Sunoco is NASCAR's fuel sponsor – will be blended and delivered to race teams from on-site tankers that travel to every NASCAR event. The company noted that NASCAR team engine builders have been testing Sunoco Green E15 for several months and reports have been very positive. In fact, many have reported achieving more horsepower with the ethanol blend.

"NASCAR fans will see the same great racing they have come to expect, but with a new, greener fuel," it said.

In NASCAR's news release, Dr. Mike Lynch, managing director for Green Innovation for NASCAR, said, "With Sunoco Green E15, we are leading by example, showing that this renewable fuel – which reduces greenhouse gas emissions – works in the most demanding racing environment in the world."

In the video from NASCAR below (which also features Darrin Ihnen, chairman of the National Corn Growers Association), NASCAR notes that the switch to E15 is "the right choice for our sport, our fans, our country and our planet."

In the video, NASCAR talks a lot about the importance of using home-grown fuel – produced by America's farmers – how it creates green jobs and helps achieve greater energy independence. The video also features NASCAR chairman Brian France and Jack Roush.


The timing also coincides with the promotional sponsorship of Kenny Wallace by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board in which Illinois corn farmers will share the story of their families and their crop at the October 23 “5-Hour Energy 250” NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL (near St. Louis).

On Twitter yesterday, Wallace was answering questions about ethanol and provided some great, positive messages and feedback. You can see Wallace's Twitter page here.