As an official partner of NASCAR, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will leverage its relationship to spread the message to fans around the country about the role American farmers play in the development of ethanol.
On Feb. 9 American Ethanol announced it has entered into a sponsor partnership with Richard Childress Racing and its No. 33 Chevrolet driver, Clint Bowyer, for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
Bowyer will serve as an official spokesman for American Ethanol on behalf of its green, clean alternative fuel component. American Ethanol will be the primary sponsor of the No. 33 Chevrolet car at the Kansas Speedway 400 and an associate sponsor of the car for the rest of the season.
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 per cent ethanol blend fuel made with US-grown corn.
“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, South Dakota. “Ethanol is a growing use for corn, and provides us a domestic, renewable fuel that reduces emissions and creates jobs right here at home. We are encouraging corn farmers nationwide to watch the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20, and be proud of their role in fueling NASCAR and the nation.”
“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 NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “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.”
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 will air starting with the broadcast of the Daytona 500. 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.
