U.S. Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and John Thune, R-S.D., are pushing NASCAR to join the IndyCar Racing League by converting to ethanol.

The “fuel of the future,” according to a statement released by Bayh’s office on Thursday.

In a letter to NASCAR President Brian France, the two senators urged NASCAR to consider the conversion of its fleet to “high-powered U.S. ethanol.”

“No one loves this country more than auto racing fans, and NASCAR has a unique opportunity to take a step that will help the environment and help our national security,” Bayh said. “Our dependence on foreign oil is putting the United States in the disturbing position of bankrolling both sides in the War on Terror. We should be looking to the Midwest, not the Mideast, for our fuel. Ethanol is a fuel available right here in America, produced by American farmers. NASCAR can set an example for the rest of the country to follow by showing Americans that if a race car can hit speeds of 185 miles per hour running on ethanol, then ethanol is good enough for the family minivan too.”

In March, the statement said, all IndyCars began racing on 100-percent ethanol fuel. “Ethanol, a non-toxic, biodegradable fuel, delivers the same power drivers rely on today, only without emitting harmful air pollution. In fact, its high-octane ratings allow engines to run even higher compression ratios by reducing detonation.”

Posted 5/25/2007