U.S. Ethanol Industry Criticizies IRL Deal with Brazil

The U.S. ethanol industry is expressing their disappointment in the Indy Racing League’s decision to promote ethanol made in Brazil. The IRL is set to finalize a contract with the Brazilian government in order to secure ethanol for the 2009 IndyCar season. Ethanol groups have stated that the IRL did not alert U.S. corn growers of their plans to go outside of the states to secure a clean fuel for their upcoming racing season.  The IRL has recently responded to these statements. The IRL has explained that while they had previous contracts with U.S. ethanol producers, the IRL was notified that these producers would not be renewing the agreement for the 2009 season. No other American-based ethanol organization stepped up with a proposal and as a result, the IRL was forced to look elsewhere.

Source: stltoday.com, insideindianabusiness.com

IRL Locks up Deal for Brazilian Ethanol in 2009 Season

The Indy Racing League has signed a deal that will have Indy Cars running on Brazilian ethanol for the 2009 season. The IRL has been racing exclusively on the ethanol since the 2007 season. Under the deal, the Brazilian suppliers will be responsible for producing the approximate 120,000 gallons of ethanol used each IRL season.

Brazil is the second-largest producer of ethanol behind the United States. However, Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of ethanol and is able to produce the biofuel with sugar cane, which is cheaper to make than the corn-based ethanol.

Source: usatoday.com

Helio Castroneves Attempts to Push Back Trial

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and alleged tax cheat Helio Castroneves is trying to postpone his March trial so he can continue to race. Castroneves wishes to move the trial to November. His employer, Penske Racing, is also asking for his trial to be pushed to the end of the racing season. Penske may need to select another driver for the 2009 IndyCar Series if Castroneves goes to trial in March. If Helio isn’t racing he will have tons of time to spend on the dance floor perfecting his craft.

Helio won the 2007 Dancing with the Stars competition with his gorgeous dance partner Julianne Hough.

Source: AP

IndyCar not Returning to Australia in 2009

The IndyCar Series will not be returning to race in Surfers Paradise in 2009. It was announced yesterday that the Indy Racing League and the Queensland government were not able to reach an agreement regarding long-term scheduling or financial terms. The Indy Racing League wished to move the race from October to March due to a clash with American football. Moving the race to March would conflict with the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne. Motor sports will still be present in Surfers Paradise in October of 2009 with Australian V8 Supercars.

In October of 2008, the IndyCar Series debuted in Surfers Paradise holding a non-points race. The race was won by Ryan Briscoe (first Australian driver to win in 18 years) of Team Penske in front of 97,000 spectators.

Highlights from Nikon Indy 300

Source: IndyCar.com, TheAustralian.news.com.au