As some Domestic Fuel fans know I conducted the last interview that Paul Dana granted prior to his tragic death last year just prior to the opening IRL race in Homestead, FL. Paul is the man who worked so hard to bring the ethanol and racing industries together. He was the driver of the #17 Ethanol Car prior to Jeff Simmons. This year’s running of the Indy 500 with all the cars fueled with ethanol is the fulfillment of his dream.

Visiting the track yesterday was Paul’s wife Tonya, pictured here outside the Rahal-Letterman Racing hospitality suite. Although I’ve met Tonya before I never had a chance to interview her. She was gracious enough to allow me a few minutes though.

I was impressed with how strong she seems to be. It has to take courage to come out here in light of what happened to Paul. Tonya says that the support she’s received from friends in the ethanol industry and the IRL has been tremendous. She does see this year’s race as the fulfillment of Paul’s dream and she says she’s ready to help the ethanol industry in any way she can.

You can listen to my interview with Tonya Dana here: [audio:http://www.zimmcomm.biz/epic/indy-07-tonya.mp3] Tonya Dana interview