Feb 25, 2008

IndyCar Series Fuel Gets Greener

Once there was a debate about guns versus butter. Today, as we add ethanol to our gasoline supply, a debate rages about food versus fuel. But now the IndyCar Series has taken the innovative step of joining forces with a company that makes both food and fuel from corn to provide all of its 2008 season racing fuel.

LifeLine Foods, a pioneer in the production of food and energy, has been chosen as the official supplier of the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol used in all IndyCar Series cars. The St. Joseph, Missouri, company was contracted by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) to supply approximately 120,000 gallons of fuel to the IndyCar Series. With the transition to an ethanol-blend in 2006 and then fuel-grade ethanol 2007, the IndyCar Series was the first motorsports sanctioning body to require use of a renewable fuel.

LifeLine Foods is one of the rare companies that uses corn to produce both food and fuel. One portion of the corn kernel is processed and marketed to the food industry while the remainder of the kernel is used for, among other things, cattle feed and the distillation of ethanol. Utilizing a bran energy recovery system, the company expects its own total plant energy needs will be reduced by approximately 50 percent. The method ensures that the company is getting the most value out of corn, benefiting the agriculture, food and ethanol industries. LifeLine’s St. Joseph, Mo. plant produces 50 million gallons of ethanol per year, providing an economic boost to the community, while minimizing its environmental footprint.

“We’re proud that the ethanol powering our cars is made through this innovative process, furthering our green racing message,” said Terry Angstadt, president, Commercial Division of the Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the IndyCar Series. “We couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to embrace ethanol at the IndyCar Series. On the track, it has performed incredibly well. Off the track, it has played a huge role in our efforts to go green and lead the industry in technology and innovation.”

The fuel from the LifeLine facility will be shipped to Indianapolis and stored at Superior Solvents and Chemicals, which can store up to 30,000 gallons. Superior's staff of chemists and technicians will be responsible for loading all tanker trailers and distributing the fuel to each IndyCar series open test and race event during the season. The 16-race IndyCar Series season opens March 29 under the lights at Homestead-Miami Speedway.