Senators ask NASCAR to race on ethanol, win for America

On the eve of the biggest weekend in auto racing-the recent Indianapolis 500-two U.S. Senators asked NASCAR to consider joining the IndyCar Racing League by converting to the "fuel of the future," American-made ethanol.

With the eyes of the world on auto racing, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S. Dak,) and Senator Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) recently sent a letter to NASCAR President Brian France, asking that NASCAR begin considering the conversion of its fleet to high-powered U.S. ethanol and the long-term promotion of American-made ethanol.

In March, all IndyCars began racing on 100 percent ethanol fuel. Ethanol, a non-toxic, biodegradable fuel, delivers the same power drivers rely on today, only without emitting harmful air pollution. In fact, its high-octane ratings allow engines to run even higher compression ratios by reducing detonation.

This is part of the June 6, 2007 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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