[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S3514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE INDY RACING LEAGUE

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today Senator Lugar and I wish to recognize 
the Indy Racing League, IRL, for its decision to use 100 percent 
ethanol in its race cars and the impact that decision will have on 
ethanol's viability as a major fuel source for Americans. With its 
decision to use ethanol as the fuel for the IndyCar series, the IRL is 
leading the way to encourage greater public use of renewable fuels. If 
the world's fastest cars can run on ethanol, then there is no doubt 
that America's cars, trucks and SUVs can, too.
  This year all of the IndyCars will race on 100 percent ethanol that 
is available right here in America--produced by American workers. With 
this change, the corn harvested on farms across the country will power 
the fastest cars in the world.
  The ethanol that will power the IRL racecars will deliver the same 
high-performance capabilities that drivers rely on, only without 
harmful air pollution. It also represents an important step toward 
reducing America's dependence on foreign oil by providing a renewable 
energy source grown in our own fields. By tapping the energy potential 
of America's farms, we can ensure a reliable domestic energy supply to 
meet our Nation's needs, end our reliance on unstable countries like 
Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela, and create jobs for Hoosier 
farmers.
  This Saturday, March 24, millions of Americans and sports fans from 
around the world will not only watch the opening race of the IndyCar 
Series and see first-hand the power of ethanol, but they will also 
watch the future of American energy unfold at 220 miles per hour.
  Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is one of the great challenges 
of this generation, and the IRL is playing a key role in this effort by 
helping inform Americans about this important alternative fuel. Since 
1911, Indiana has been the center of the auto-racing world, setting the 
standard in racing for drivers and fans alike. And now, the Indy Racing 
League is setting a new standard, this time for greater energy 
independence.
  Earlier this year, we introduced the DRIVE Act, legislation that is 
supported by both Democrats and Republicans to reduce our dependence on 
oil by 7 million barrels per day in 20 years--more than twice the 
amount we currently import from the Middle East. It achieves this goal 
through a combination of steps, including increased use of ethanol, tax 
credits for manufacturers to produce advanced diesels, hybrid, and 
plug-in hybrid vehicles, and greater funding for the research and 
development of energy efficient technologies.
  We applaud the Indy Racing League for leading the way in this effort 
and, along with thousands of other Hoosiers, look forward to this 
year's ethanol-powered races.

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