If you tuned into the NASCAR Sprint Cup at Phoenix International Raceway this past weekend, you may have seen some green flags waving at the start of the race. The National Corn Growers Association joined Growth Energy and fans in celebration as NASCAR surpassed 10 million successful miles racing on Sunoco Green E15, a fuel made with American Ethanol.
According to Nielsen Company data, the Can-Am 500 was the most-viewed race of the 2016 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
“This remarkable milestone is the result of an industry-wide commitment to demonstrate high performance racing with reduced emissions, while educating our fans about the benefits of sustainable and renewable American ethanol,” commented Brent Dewar, NASCAR chief operating officer.
Richard Childress Racing owner Richard Childress also took notice of the significance of this E15 milestone. “It’s amazing what it’s done for our country, and what it’s done for NASCAR as well,” said Childress. “We ran ten million miles, competitive miles, grueling miles without a single failure.”
The switch to E15 has allowed NASCAR to run race cars on a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces emission by 20 percent while increasing horsepower. The sport has also helped prove the fuel’s benefits in front of an audience of millions of fans and helped to shift attitudes and behaviors around the use of ethanol in personal vehicles.
American Ethanol #3 Chevrolet driver Austin Dillon has also noticed ethanol’s appeal to fans. “There’s a lot of positive momentum around what ethanol can do for America,” said Dillon. “I’m glad to represent American Ethanol and the jobs that it brings to our country.”
