17 days to Daytona and green flag on ethanol

In 17 days the green flag will drop at the Daytona 500. This year, however, that green flag means a whole lot more than the start of the NASCAR season.

It also signals the launch of a new, greener fuel known as Sunoco Green E15, a 15 percent ethanol blend made in the United States from corn ethanol that will be used in all NASCAR national racing series. It also marks a new venture for the nation's corn growers, who are joining forces with NASCAR to promote the use of corn-based American ethanol.

As an Official Partner of NASCAR, the National Corn Growers Association will leverage its relationship to spread the message to NASCAR fans around the country about the role American farmers play in the development of ethanol.

NCGA will be joined in this effort by other partners involved in American Ethanol, including several state corn groups like the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association. (For more on that, click here.)

“We’re greatly excited about this opportunity to help educate NASCAR fans at the race tracks and around the country about the great work of our corn growers in feeding and fueling the world,” NCGA chairman Darrin Ihnen, a family farmer from Hurley, S.D., said in a news release today. “Ethanol is a growing use for corn, and provides us a domestic, renewable fuel that reduces emissions and creates jobs right here at home. We are encouraging corn farmers nationwide to watch the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, and be proud of their role in fueling NASCAR and the nation.”

Car featuring American Ethanol logo at
the launch event in Las Vegas. (Source.)

Brian France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, said, “NASCAR is very proud to welcome as partners the hard-working family farmers all over the United States who grow the corn that will be used in our new Sunoco Green E15 fuel. We are happy our sport can play a part in creating jobs and fostering energy independence by using a renewable fuel grown and produced in America.”

In December 2010, NASCAR unveiled its landmark partnership with American Ethanol just weeks after announcing the switch to E15. Growth Energy, a leading ethanol advocacy organization, created the American Ethanol partnership to push for broad acceptance of a renewable domestic fuel for all American motorists.

NCGA will work with Growth Energy throughout the racing season to create educational and promotional activities in support of the corn growers who play a vital role in the American ethanol industry. Corn farmers will even be on hand at many races throughout the season to answer questions about their contribution to producing this renewable ethanol.

“The goal is to bring ethanol’s positive messages from job creation to cleaner air to consumers. When people hear a message like ‘American Ethanol: Trusted By NASCAR,’ that carries a lot of weight and adds to ethanol’s credibility and reputation,” Ihnen said.