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NASCAR lukewarm on ethanol
May 11, 2007 - Exclusive By Dana Childs, Cleantech Group
NASCAR, the latest racing outfit to be approached to adopt alternative fuel (missed the IndyCar news and hydrogen racers? see Gentlemen, start your (hydrogen) engines!), isn't very keen on ethanol.
General Motors has apparently recommended that the U.S. stock car race sanctioning body NASCAR switch from gasoline to ethanol as the fuel for its race series.
General Motors Chevrolet brand is a key competitor in the NASCAR’s Nextel Cup, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.
While other racing categories around the world have adopted alternative fuels or at least agreed to investigate them, only in 2007 did NASCAR finally sanction unleaded fuel for its races.
NASCAR’s reaction to a proposed switch to ethanol has been described by Charlotte Observer newspaper as ‘lukewarm’, with a NASCAR spokesman saying because ethanol is not as efficient as gasoline, larger fuel tanks or more frequent pit stops for refuelling would be necessary, and that would constitute a safety concern.
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Bayh Asks NASCAR to Try Ethanol
Submitted on May 25th, 2007 by Dallas KachanIndiana Senator Evan Bayh wrote a letter yesterday to NASCAR President Brian France, asking that NASCAR consider using U.S. ethanol to power its cars. The letter says NASCAR using ethanol "would set an example for its fans."
Indiana is, of course, a large producer of corn, the feedstock of choice for ethanol today.
“No one loves this country more than auto racing fans, and NASCAR has a unique opportunity to take a step that will help the environment and help our national security,†said Senator Bayh.
“Our dependence on foreign oil is putting the United States in the disturbing position of bankrolling both sides in the War on Terror. We should be looking to the Midwest, not the Mideast, for our fuel.â€
The Indy Racing League began racing on ethanol fuel this season.
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