Indiana Ethanol Racing Fuel Firm Gets Dana Award

The Paul Dana Award recognizes those who have exemplified leadership and innovative vision in the bioenergy industry. Governor Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governor Becky Skillman established the award to honor the memory of Indy Racing League (IRL) driver Paul Dana, a strong supporter of Indiana’s growing biofuels industry who was killed in a racing accident in 2006. This year’s award, ironically, went to a company that developed a unique brand of ethanol racing fuel.

Ignite Racing Fuel, based in Hamilton County, has developed a fuel that is being used in USAC races nationwide. Paul Dana’s brother Greg Dana said Paul would be proud, “Getting USAC to use ethanol was something that Paul had been working on for some time. I know he would have been proud that Ignite finally got it done.”

Ignite Racing Fuels was developed through National BioFuels Distribution and is located in Carmel, Indiana. This unique firm is the first of its kind, since it is the first singularly-focused ethanol racing fuel provider. NBD helps racers and racing leagues to adopt a higher octane, yet green, approach to their fuel needs, while both increasing performance and often decreasing fuel. Jay Berry, with Ignite, told HAT their fuel is quickly moving into other racing venues, “For 2012, the National Tractor Pulling Association has approved the use of our ethanol fuel, so now farmers can use ethanol to power their tractors in NTPA events.”

Berry says, in addition, the ethanol fuel is now going to be used in racing boats, “It is being used by teams racing 55 foot boats at over 200mph.” He is especially encouraged by this development since boat engine manufacturers have been reluctant to adopt ethanol fuel. He said, no matter if you are racing on dirt, concrete, or water, using ethanol fuel is cleaner and more environmentally friendly since ethanol is biodegradable and the fuel provides 70% less emissions than other racing fuels.

“Alternative fuel awareness, usage and deployment have surged in the State of Indiana. I congratulate founders Jay Berry and Reggie Henderson on their vision, ingenuity and commitment to Ignite Racing Fuels,’ said Lt. Governor Skillman, who serves as Secretary of Agriculture. “I am proud of your first-of-its-kind, 100% American-made racing fuel and it’s totally green compliant – made from our Indiana corn.” ISDA Director Joseph Kelsay presented the award during the Greater Indiana Clean Cities Awards Ceremony at the Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis on Monday.

source: hoosieragtoday