Last week's Open Test on a modified Daytona International Speedway road course was the first opportunity for the full IndyCar Series field to use the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in its 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine, which will power the series in 2007. source: indycar.com The 17 drivers and teams who participated in the two days of the first testing of '07 recorded almost 1,700 laps on the 10-turn, 2.72-mile road course with no major issues. "I really didn't notice any difference at all, which I think is the point," 2005 IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon said. "It's better for the environment, fuel efficient and hasn't affected engine performance." The IndyCar Series is the first and only in motorsports to run on a renewable fuel. Andretti Green Racing's Dario Franchitti noted the absence of fumes, which in the past bothered his eyes while a few drivers noticed a different, but familiar, smell while running in traffic. "I think it smelled like popcorn," joked A.J. Foyt Racing's Darren Manning. The IndyCar Series' next opportunity to demonstrate the power of ethanol will be during its next Open Test scheduled Feb 21-22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "This was a milestone week for ethanol and the IndyCar Series since every car at the test was running on 100 percent (fuel-grade) ethanol," said Scott Sharp, driver of the No. 8 Patron entry for Rahal Letterman Racing. "The best thing about the test was that there wasn't a huge difference between how the cars were last year and how the cars were running the last couple of days. "In fact, the few slight differences were all positive. That is a huge credit to Honda, the IndyCar Series and ethanol for making sure that the transition to a renewable fuel source has been so smooth." Panther Racing driver Vitor Meira said Americans should take notice. "I think the IndyCar Series is doing a great job with the use of 100 percent ethanol this season," he said. "It's pretty innovative, and I think sets a good example for the rest of the United States on using this source of fuel. I remember the first go-kart I ever drove in Brazil was ethanol-powered, and I feel like I've come full circle since my Delphi Panther car is now running on ethanol."
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