First shipment of ethanol bound for Indy, and then to Open Test source: indycar.com Tanker trucks come and go at the Renova Energy facility in Torrington, Wyo., with little more than a wave from the gate guard. But one bound for Indianapolis was special - if for its distinct markings. The tanker that left Jan. 15 carried the first shipment of 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol that will power IndyCarSeries cars -- the first in motorsports to embrace a renewable fuel source - for the 2007 season. The ethanol will be employed during an Open Test on Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Renova Energy was contracted by the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council to supply about 120,000 gallons of ethanol to the IndyCar Series. The facility produces 10 million gallons of ethanol a year, with new construction planned for a 20 million gallon plant in Heyburn, Idaho. "I'm proud to be a part of the most significant fuel change in open-wheel racing in 40 years," Renova Energy senior vice president Dan Schwartzkopf said. "This is a groundbreaking achievement." The ethanol will be shipped periodically 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. Tom Slunecka, executive director of EPIC, believes the fuel switch has far-reaching implications. "Ethanol is not only an ideal solution for high performance IndyCar Series cars, but consumers can expect improved performance and environmental benefits as well with ethanol-enriched fuel," he said. "From the speedway to Main Street, the partnership between the ethanol industry and the Indy Racing League will deliver stunning results." Extensive testing of 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in the 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engines has yielded impressive results. IndyCar Series cars will use a modified road course at Daytona. Three weeks later, drivers will test on the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami Speedway oval. The first of 17 races is under the lights March 24 at HMS. "Backed by an experienced group of engineers and technicians, the transition has been flawless," IndyCar Series senior technical director Les Mactaggart said.
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