Global Forum for Sports and Environment
Indy Racing Switches to Ethanol
Indy officials say their target for the 2006 season is a maximum blend of 10 percent ethanol, the same blend mandated for cars in Minnesota. But starting in 2007, they say, the fuel will be 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol. Although this decision won't significantly affect ethanol sales, it will be a helpful marketing tool. According to Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner, Gene Hugoson, "It lends credibility to ethanol as a viable fuel for any use. One of the things that are always raised about ethanol is that it affects performance. This is an organization that thrives on top performance, so I think this will help dispel that problem." Such news will be welcome in the ethanol industry, which has struggled against public skepticism over engine fuels derived from corn, sugarcane stalks and other plant matter. Indy officials however say that racing fans won’t even notice the switch to ethanol from methanol, a natural gas-based racing fuel that has been used since the 1960s. The move could do much to improve the image of motor racing sports, which have come under fire from the green lobby, for its environmental impact. "It's a coup for them," said Frank O'Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, an environmental group that recently protested the use of leaded fuel in NASCAR racing. However, even O'Donnell himself has reservations, believing that its benefits have been oversold. According to critics, ethanol causes smog, generates little more energy than it takes to produce, and is not economical without substantial federal and state subsidies. "The ethanol industry is the fastest-growing energy business in the world," said Ron Fagen, president and CEO of Fagen Inc., whose company is the largest designer and builder of ethanol plants in the nation. Fagen, who also sponsors funny cars and dragsters, said he was approached with the idea three years ago by Indy racer Paul Dana, who will drive an ethanol-powered demonstration car in this year's season, which begins Sunday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. Links: Indy Racing League http://www.indycar.com/ LINK : |
3 March, 2005, Coming as good news to American corn growers and some environmentalists, the Indy Racing League will announce that its 17-race IndyCar Series, including the Indianapolis 500, will use ethanol-blended fuels next year-a move that’s hoped to boost the image of the alternative fuel source and improve car racing’s less-than-green image.