At last week’s Ethanol Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway I got to meet Danica Patrick, one of the drivers for Rahal-Letterman Racing. Team Ethanol is a big sponsor of the team and Jeff Simmons drives the ethanol-wrapped car. But I wanted to find out what his teammates think of this new fuel they’re putting in their cars this year.
Will NASCAR Climb Aboard the Ethanol Train?
If the IRL does it, why not NASCAR? That’s the question some are asking, some even urging NASCAR to make the switch to ethanol, according to this SI.com article. SI seems to think if Jeff Gordon used ethanol it might make even more folks sit up and take notice. General Motors is actively encouraging NASCAR to make the switch.
Farmer, Racer, Ethanol Supporter
Being a farmer today has its challenges. Being a farmer and a funny car driver simply magnifies those challenges. Mark Thomas is up to the challenge though. He is also one of the biggest proponents of ethanol you’re going to find anywhere.
Energy Secretary Press Conference
Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman held a press conference here at Ethanol Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hornish Wins Ethanol Fast Lap
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council is sponsoring five days of the Ethanol Fast Lap.
Green Grand Prix
Increased awareness of domestic fuel alternatives is helping organizers of the 2nd Annual Green Grand Prix to be held in Watkins Glen, NY on June 2. The Green Grand Prix features a road rally of Hybrid and Alternative Fueled Vehicles held on an 84-mile course following the perimeter of beautiful Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New …
Ethanol Industry Saddened By Loss of IRL Driver Paul Dana
The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council is not only a Domestic Fuel sponsor but sponsor of Rahal-Letterman Racing. Today the team suffered a serious blow when the #17 Ethanol car was in a pre-race warmup accident and driver and ethanol champion Paul Dana died from the injuries he suffered. “It is a black day for us, and on behalf of Rahal Letterman Racing, our sponsors and associates, our prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Dana family,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal, the 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner. “This is a great tragedy. As a result, and in honor of Paul, we will not run the team’s No. 15 (with driver Buddy Rice, the 2004 Indy 500 winner) and No. 16 (with driver Danica Patrick, the 2005 Indy 500 and IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year) cars in today’s event.”
Tragedy At Toyota Indy 300
Just before the Toyota Indy 300 got started this afternoon I found out about the tragedy this morning. Paul Dana, driver of the #17 Ethanol car for Rahal-Letterman Racing has died from injuries he suffered in a pre-race warmup crash. This is an absolute shock since I had just interviewed Paul yesterday afternoon. You can read the story on the Indy Racing League website here.
Stalk Car Race
General Motors made ethanol history Friday when a Chevy Silverado E-85 Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) served as the pace car for the GM Flex Fuel 250 at Daytona race, starting the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, according to a news release. “GM is delighted to be able to sponsor the event tonight,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “We are …