A bipartisan group of lawmakers joined U. S. Senate colleagues Richard Lugar and Evan Bayh during a news conference to honor the IndyCar Series for its transition to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol for the 2007 season. The series is at the forefront of “the greening of racing”—the first in motorsports to embrace a renewable and environmentally-responsible fuel source.
The Congressional leaders, who joined Team Ethanol driver Jeff Simmons, Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George and Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Bob Dinneen in waving green ethanol flags in front of the No. 17 Team Ethanol car to signify the start of the groundbreaking season, are in accord with President George W. Bush’s call for large increases in American production of renewable fuels such as ethanol.
The senators recognized the IndyCar Series in a Congressional Record statement for sending a strong message to race fans and Americans about the benefits of using ethanol and other renewable fuels. The green ethanol flag signed by George, Simmons, Dinneen and senators will be used to start the XM Satellite Radio Indy 300 on March 24.
“This is the kind of leadership we need – from both the public and private sector – if we are going to begin reducing our dependence on oil, ” Bayh said. “With its decision to switch to 100 percent ethanol, the Indy Racing League has taken the lead in encouraging all Americans to use renewable fuels. “
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