Racing Rap by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

IndyCar Adds Brazilian Fuel Connection

Sunday, November 30, 2008

It made all the sense in the world for a racing series based in America’s heartland to choose ethanol as its fuel of choice. Ethanol, essentially an alcohol, has similar chemical properties as the formerly used IndyCar fuel, methanol, and more to the point, the bulk of the ethanol made in America comes from corn -- you know, the stuff you find growing all over Indiana. So the switch to ethanol that came in 2006 was a big win for the IndyCar series. It provided a chance to make a “green” statement and at the same time put in a big plug for American farmers -- basically a perfect fit.

But as all of you who follow the racing world know, it often creates strange bedfellows. And in these days, when corporate sponsorship dollars are scarce, cozying up to operations that have money to spend makes all the sense in the world. So IndyCar has decided to sign a multiyear deal with APEX-Brasil, making the trade promotion agency the official ethanol supplier to the IndyCar Series, beginning with the 2009 season. Does this mean next year the series’ fuel will come from the sugar cane fields of Brazil and not from American farmers?

That’s a conclusion that could be drawn, but it may or may not be erroneous. You see, the agreement not only names APEX-Brasil an official partner of the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis 500, but it also includes cooperation from UNICA (the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association) to identify companies that might be interested in supplying ethanol to the series. We are told UNICA will look to partner with a U.S.-based ethanol producer to supply the IndyCar Series with corn-based ethanol. That’s not a done deal yet, but it is likely.

So what does all this mean? Well, to the drivers and race teams, it doesn’t mean a whole lot at all. The IndyCar Series will continue to use 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in 2009, which is denatured with 2 percent gasoline.

“From a technical standpoint, the move to any raw material-based ethanol does not change anything for the IndyCar Series,” said Les Mactaggart, senior technical director for the IndyCar Series. “The end product is still 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, and our engine mappings and ECUs will continue to read and process it exactly the same.”

On the world’s stage (IndyCar races are run in Canada and Japan as well as in the United States), it is part of an effort to communicate the many sources that can be used in the production of ethanol, which include corn, sugarcane and various cellulosic materials -- basically other plants. It is also hoped that the racing association will enhance ethanol’s position as a global commodity. And if it makes things a little greener in the Midwest and around the world, we’re all for it.