Spectators may have thought they were watching hot rods racing down
Gateway International Raceway’s quarter-mile, NHRA-sanctioned drag
strip Wednesday. What they were actually seeing was a glimpse into the
future; a future not beholden to foreign oil, but provided by flex-fuel
vehicles and corn-based ethanol.
The E85/Ethanol Challenge, an event hosted by GIR, the Illinois Corn
Growers Association, the American Lung Association, and 5.0 Mustang
Magazine, displayed for both private citizens and some of Illinois’ top
lawmakers how ethanol is a legitimate and less expensive choice for
American consumers.
Several E85 flex-fuel vehicles, ranging from an everyday street cars to
high-performance race vehicles, made passes down Gateway’s drag strip,
all using ethanol provided by Center Ethanol. The exhibition was an
effective one.
“What I’m seeing is very interesting,” said Mike Campbell,
representing U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.).” If you look at
the Congressman’s record, he’s been a strong supporter of renewable
fuels. We have an ethanol plant in operation right now in Sauget, his
Congressional district. I think (today’s demonstration) is one way of
showing that (ethanol is a viable fuel option). Any concept we can use
to show that any method we can use to show those thoughts that we can
produce renewable fuels and lessen our dependence on foreign oil is
always positive.”