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AMERICAN ETHANOL
 The
2011 NASCAR season is racing with a new, greener fuel, and the
nation’s corn growers have joined forces with NASCAR to promote the
use of corn-based American ethanol. As an Official Partner of
NASCAR, The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is leveraging
its relationship to spread the message to NASCAR fans around the
country about the role American farmers play in the development of
ethanol.
In December 2010, NASCAR unveiled its landmark partnership with
American Ethanol just weeks after announcing a 2011 switch in its
three major national series to Sunoco Green E15, a new 15 percent
ethanol blend fuel made with corn grown in the United States. Growth
Energy, a leading ethanol advocacy organization, created the
American Ethanol partnership to push for broad acceptance of a
renewable domestic fuel for all American motorists.
NASCAR's Green Flag now sports the American Ethanol brand
and is waved at every race.
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The American Ethanol decal surrounding
the fuel port is the only logo that is present on every
vehicle in the NASCAR Series races. It will always cross the
finish line in first place.
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“We’re greatly excited about this opportunity to help educate NASCAR
fans at the race tracks and around the country about the great work
of our corn growers in feeding and fueling the world,” said NCGA
Chairman Darrin Ihnen, a family farmer from Hurley, S.D. “Ethanol is
a growing use for corn, and provides us a domestic, renewable fuel
that reduces emissions and creates jobs right here at home.”
“NASCAR is very proud to welcome as partners the hard-working family
farmers all over the United States who grow the corn that will be
used in our new Sunoco Green E15 fuel,” said Brian France, chairman
and CEO of NASCAR. “We are happy our sport can play a part in
creating jobs and fostering energy independence by using a renewable
fuel grown and produced in America.”
Through a sponsor partnership with Richard Childress Racing,
Clint Bowyer, the No. 33 Chevrolet driver, is serving as an
official spokesman for American Ethanol for the 2011 NASCAR
Sprint Cup Series season.
American Ethanol is also an associate
sponsor on the No. 09 Toyota Camry driven by Kenny Wallace
for the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide season.
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NCGA will work closely with Growth Energy throughout the 2011 NASCAR
season to create educational and promotional activities in support
of the corn growers who play a vital role in the American ethanol
industry.
NASCAR fans can expect to see visible reminders of the new greener
fuel throughout the season. A new public awareness campaign for
NASCAR Green, featuring images of American farmers began airing with
the broadcast of the Daytona 500 in February. Additionally, corn
farmers will be on hand at many races throughout the season to
answer questions about their contribution to producing this
renewable ethanol.
“The goal is to bring ethanol’s positive messages from job creation
to cleaner air to consumers. When people hear a message like
‘American Ethanol: Trusted By NASCAR,’ that carries a lot of weight
and adds to ethanol’s credibility and reputation,” Ihnen said.
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