Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
11/26/2008
Indianapolis, Ind.
U.S. ethanol producers' patronage of the IRL included sponsorship of Ryan Hunter-Reay's Rahal Letterman entry. (LAT photo)
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Since the announcement Nov. 18 of the Indy Racing League’s new partnership with APEX-Brasil to supply ethanol to the IndyCar Series, rather than the American-based ethanol industry with which the league has partnered for the past three seasons, a backlash has been growing among U.S.-based ethanol producers. Today, a radio ad by American Future Fund, began playing in the Indianapolis area criticizing the move, and urging listeners to register their complaints with the IRL.
“It's amazing that amid all the progress we have made toward energy independence, the IRL decides to set us back,” said AFF Communications Director Tim Albrecht. “It’s mind-boggling as to why the league would take this action in an economic downturn. This is a slap in the face to American farmers and workers.”
The IRL released a statement Wednesday from Terry Angstadt, president of the league’s commercial division, in answer to the criticism.
“The IndyCar Series is proud to be fueled by ethanol, a renewable energy fuel,” Angstadt said. “For the last three years, ethanol has been the official fuel as a result of a sponsorship agreement with the ethanol producers and EPIC, the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. The ethanol producers recently notified the IndyCar Series that it would not be renewing the agreement for 2009 and beyond and EPIC is ceasing operation. No one from any other part of the American-based ethanol community stepped forward with a substantial proposal. Soon after, the IndyCar Series and APEX-Brasil reached a preliminary agreement. As part of that agreement, we plan on starting our 2009 season with American-produced ethanol.
“Opportunities still exist for American ethanol companies and organizations to continue involvement in the IndyCar Series,” Angstadt added. “The IndyCar Series is pleased to continue to be the only major American racing series fueled by 100 percent fuel grade ethanol. APEX will use the IndyCar platform to promote a variety of Brazilian products, services and opportunities, including ethanol. We look forward to working with American producers and Brazilian producers of ethanol to promote ethanol as a renewable energy source and part of the solution to lessen the United States’ reliance on Middle Eastern oil.”
