90th Indianapolis 500

Chuck Zimmerman

Indy SunriseWelcome to race day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Today we’ll have coverage from the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Earlybirds got to see the sun rise here. It’s promising to be a hot one which should make things interesting. All during the month of practice it’s been very cool. These car engines and drivers will be running in different conditions today than they’re used to.

I’m going to collect more pictures, audio and video with a focus on the ethanol-sponsored Rahal-Letterman team and the #17 Ethanol Car.

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing

Team Ethanol Supporters

Chuck Zimmerman

Ethanol Parade GroupThere are a lot of ethanol supporters here in Indianapolis and more arriving by the minute as we get closer to race day.

This fine looking group consists of staff and board members of the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council along with various other industry members.

They all went downtown to the parade today and will get together again this evening for a reception. Then tomorrow we’ll all be out at the track cheering on Team Ethanol!

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing

Indy Parade

Chuck Zimmerman

Jeff Simmons ParadeToday has been a relatively quiet day here in Indianapolis. Except for the annual parade that is.

Here’s Ethanol Car driver Jeff Simmons passing by (along with Stephanie Soviar). The drivers are spaced out in the parade in the same row lineup as they will be in the race. Jeff is starting in row 9.

You can watch a short video clip from the parade here: Watch WMV Jeff Simmons In Parade (1 min wmv)

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing, Video

Chevrolet Stage Band

Chuck Zimmerman

Chevrolet StageOn my way out of the track today I stopped by the Chevrolet exhibit area. It’s huge. They’ve got pace car Corvettes from past races on display and a selection of AFV’s as well.

One of the things they also have is a stage for music. This band was playing and I shot a video clip of them for you.

You can watch it here: Watch WMV Chevrolet Stage Band (2 min wmv)

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Video

Pit Stop Competition

Chuck Zimmerman

Pit Stop CompetitionOne of the highlight events on Carb Day here at Indy is the Checkers/Rally’s Pit Stop Competition.

Rahal-Letterman driver Buddy Rice was doing fine until he came up against Helio Castroneves, who won the competition.

I shot a short video clip of one of the final competition matches. You can watch it here: Watch WMV Pit Stop Competition (23 sec wmv)

EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing, Video

MFA Oil And Mid Missouri Energy

Chuck Zimmerman

MFA/MME Ribbon CuttingThe big announcement from MFA Oil and Mid Missouri Energy was made this morning as we reported earlier this week. Pictured are members of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, along with Phil Lampert (NEVC), Ryland Utlaut (Mid-Missouri Energy) and Jerry Taylor (MFA Oil) in a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the launch of the partnership.

Thanks to the folks at the Missouri Corn Growers Association we’ve got some audio for you. Tyne Morgan interviewed MFA Oil President, Jerry Taylor. He talks about what the company is doing to increase the availability and accessability of E85 fuel around the state of Missouri. You can listen to that interview here: Listen To MP3 Jerry Taylor Interview (5 min MP3)

Representatives from two farmer-owner cooperatives have announced a partnership created to make E85 fuel more readily available and affordable to Missourians by offering it at 20 percent less than regular unleaded gasoline. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and is used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs).Read More

Audio, Ethanol, Facilities, Promotion

RFA President To Ring Bell

Chuck Zimmerman

RFAHere’s a little tidbit of information I just learned of.

Bob Dineen, the President of Renewable Fuels Association will preside over the opening bell of the NASDAQ Stock Market to “recognize the rapidly growing US Ethanol Industry.”

It’s scheduled to take place on Tuesday May 30th, 2006 at 9:30 a.m. EDT

Ethanol

Drivers Want E85

Chuck Zimmerman

American Lung Association of the Upper MidwestThe American Lung Assocation of the Upper Midwest just released survey results that say that drivers want E85. Some findings from the study include:

  • Nearly all respondents in all regions expressed strong interest in purchasing a vehicle that could use E85.
  • More than 80 percent strongly or somewhat preferred an E85-capable flexible fuel vehicle recognized as a Clean Air Choice.
  • Midwesterners are most aware of E85 with more than 65 percent saying they are very or somewhat familiar with the cleaner burning, renewable-based gasoline alternative.
  • Eighty-five percent of respondents indicated they would strongly or somewhat prefer a fuel company that offers both gasoline and E85 and is recognized as a Clean Air Choice.
  • GM and Ford are the perceived leaders in FFV production, with GM gaining 10 percent since Phoenix Automotive conducted a similar survey in January 2006.
  • More than 80 percent of respondents believed that recognition by the American Lung Association helped affirm the positive effects the use of E85 will have on the environment.

    • Read More

    Ethanol, Research

    Buddy Rice Remarks

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Buddy RiceThe 2004 Indy 500 winner is the third Rahal-Letterman team driver. He’s Buddy Rice and he addressed the Ethanol Summit yesterday.

    I’ve been trying to find time for a personal interview but haven’t been able to do one yet. Give me some time.

    In the meantime you can hear Buddy’s remarks from yesterday. Just like his teammates, he believes ethanol is a great fuel.

    You can listent to Buddy’s remarks here: Listen To MP3 Buddy Rice Remarks (1 min MP3)

    Audio, EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing

    Tweaking The Car

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Ethanol Car In GarageThe Ethanol Car crew is hard at work doing that last minute tweaking.

    It’s fascinating watching these technicians work and realizing how important their job is. They want this vehicle to stay on the track during the race and cross the finish line.

    It’s a practice in patience too. I’ve watched them take a part off and put it back on and do it over and over until it’s sitting just like they want it to.

    EPIC, Ethanol, Indy Racing, Racing