NASCAR legend and champion Rusty Wallace will be a keynote speaker during the upcoming 5th Annual Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit on January 25, 2011. During his presentation, he will discuss NASCAR’s move to E15. The Summit is hosted by the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA).

“When the 2011 season begins, NASCAR’s three major national touring series will run on E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. This is the same blend that the EPA approved for use in conventional vehicles and light duty trucks manufactured after 2007 back in October 2010. NASCAR officials are already saying that the switch has resulted in an increased horsepower a benefit due to ethanol’s higher octane rating.

“NASCAR is an illustrious model for the future of higher ethanol blends,” Norton said. “The confidence that NASCAR is putting into our American-made fuel sends a strong message to motorists and race fans that E15 is a reliable, high-performance fuel.”

The Summit and trade show, being held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Polk County Convention Complex in Des Moines, is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Participants can register online at www.IowaRFA.org by January 21st, where they’ll also find additional links and information relating to the Summit, or by calling Lucy Norton at 515-252-6249.