The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) on Monday hosted Team Ethanol Driver Jeff Simmons and his 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol race car in a tribute to the “Greening of Racing” and a salute to the IndyCar® Series.

“Ethanol is sharing the track with a great American past time,” said CBOT Chairman Charlie Carey. “For the first time a renewable fuel will power a vehicle past the checkered flag at the Indy 500. Congratulations to the IndyCar Series.”

Team Ethanol driver Jeff Simmons opened the Monday morning event by driving up in an IndyCar Series vehicle on CBOT Plaza and later stood on the platform with Carey for the ringing of the opening bell on the trading floor.

“When we go out there Memorial Day weekend for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500, it’s really going to be a proud moment for all of us to be a part of the ‘greening of racing,’” said Simmons. “This is something that’s not only good for American and our environment, but also for the performance of your car and good for the security of our energy future.”

The 91st Indianapolis 500 will take place on May 27th.

You can listen to the complete CBOT press conference here: CBOT Press Conference (20 min MP3)