Once again demonstrating the value of higher ethanol blends for motorists, the American Ethanol E15 250 race was June 24 at Iowa Speedway at Newton in central Iowa. This marks the fifth year for the race, sponsored by Syngenta and Growth Energy, as part of the NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series, presented by Enogen.

The race helps deliver the message that U.S. ethanol drives performance on and off the racetrack with clean-burning, performance-boosting ethanol blends, like E15. A low-cost, high-octane fuel, Sunoco Green E15 has powered NASCAR for 10 million miles of competitive racing. E15 has done the same for 1 billion miles for U.S. drivers.

At a press briefing before the race, a panel discussion by sponsor representatives brought out a number of points including:

• Since 2011, NASCAR race car drivers have driven more than 10 million miles on Sunoco Green E15.

• The American Ethanol E15 250 is an opportunity for fans to witness the performance benefits of ethanol under demanding conditions.

• E15 is sold at more than 800 retail outlets across 29 states, with expansion expected to double the outlets.

• American drivers have surpassed 1 billion miles on E15.

An affordable choice at pump
“Ethanol is a renewable, homegrown biofuel made from plants and is already in 97% of the gasoline sold in the U.S. today,” said Ron Wulfkuhle, head of Enogen at Syngenta. “With E15, drivers across the country have a great and more affordable choice at the pump.”

“The American Ethanol E15 250 is an excellent opportunity for sharing the story and benefits of Earth-friendly American ethanol with consumers,” he added. “Syngenta is pleased to once again be working with Iowa Speedway, Growth Energy and the FFA in supporting the ethanol industry through our sponsorship of this signature event.”

Enogen corn enzyme technology helps to enhance ethanol production and make ethanol even more sustainable, said Wulfkuhle. Syngenta is working with a growing number of ethanol plants to expand the opportunity for growers. By the end of 2017, Syngenta anticipates more than 200 million bushels of Enogen corn will have been grown on more than 1 million acres, contributing to nearly 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol produced and resulting in about $60 million in premiums paid to corn growers.

Prime the Pump campaign gets a boost
Earlier this year, Syngenta announced a $340,000 donation to the Prime the Pump Fund. Prime the Pump is helping high-volume, progressive-minded and industry-leading fuel retailers, who will demonstrate the performance, cost savings and profit opportunity of marketing higher ethanol blends, such as E15.

“We are thrilled to have such great partners in Syngenta and proud to showcase ethanol’s incredible benefits at the race,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “E15 delivers unmatched value in terms of better performance, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and savings at the pump.”

Members of the Twin Cedars FFA Chapter at Bussey, a town located in southern Iowa, were canvassing Iowa Speedway racegoers before the American Ethanol E15 250 on June 24. Their goal was to increase awareness for the benefits of E15 and raise money to support Prime the Pump. Funds raised were matched by Syngenta, so Twin Cedars FFA members earned money for their local chapter.

“Engaging the public about ethanol and renewable fuels is a good opportunity for my students,” said Miranda Johnson, adviser of the Twin Cedars FFA Chapter. “They are the future and they understand the importance of conservation and preservation of our land and resources — and the vital role farmers play in feeding and fueling our country.”

To learn more, visit syngenta.com and goodgrowthplan.com. Learn more about American Ethanol at americanethanolracing.com.