U.S. IndyCar Series Choose Brazilian Ethanol for 2009 Season
By R. Brown, Web Exclusive Posted Nov. 21, 2008
The U.S. IndyCar Series will use to Brazilian sugarcane-based ethanol for its 2009 season. This announcement was made by Dilma Roussef, the Brazilian Chief-Minister of the Presidential Staff Office during the 1st International Exposition on Biofuels Nov. 17th. In the transitional period, the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA), will partner with U.S. corn-ethanol companies for the supply of ethanol fuel to the Series.
A memorandum of understanding was signed Nov. 17th during Biofuel Exposition. The deal is part of a larger plan by UNICA to promote Brazilian biofuels as cheaper and clean alternatives to U.S. corn-based ethanol with the primary goal of removing or reducing ethanol import tarif placed by the U.S government on Brazilian ethanol.
In its press release, APEX-Brasil, a Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency, charged as the negotiations firm, said the deal will also be used as a platform to promote other Brazilian exports such as food, machinery, and equipments to the U.S., Canada, and Japan. Terry Angstadt, President of the commercial division of the Indy Racing League, said “The move to other sources of ethanol is a natural progression as the ethanol industry continues to grow and evolve, …… We continue to strive to be on the leading edge of the greening of racing. The IndyCar Series was the first motorsports series to mandate use of a renewable fuel, and now we will work with the ethanol industry in both the United States and Brazil to promote the use of all types of ethanol by consumers.”
"During our recent manufacturer roundtables, the participating engine companies were enthusiastic about our potential use of various sources of ethanol. We feel this move is another step in the right direction with our goal of introducing a new engine and chassis by the 2011 season."
The IndyCar Series is an advocate for the use of renewable fuel in race vehicles. It required all its race vehicles use 90% methanol and 10% ethanol in 1996.
For the IndyCar press release, click here: http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12829
Photo courtesy of Kevin Salk