NASCAR to run E15 fuel
10/16/10 Word is that NASCAR has told Sprint Cup teams to prepare for E15 fuel blend for the 2011 season. NASCAR's Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series are expected to use E15 fuel at Daytona Speedweeks in February. Sources say the blend will be ready for testing in January. An announcement of the change could be made as early as Saturday afternoon when NASCAR Chairman Brian France has scheduled a news conference at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Teams tested the E15 blend — a mixture of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline — in May. Both Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing have tested the fuel on the track. RCR's Jeff Burton tested a Sunoco ethanol blend this week during a tire test at Richmond. Roush Fenway Racing has tested the mixture in engines on the dynamometer. Lee White, president and general manager Toyota Racing Development, says that to his knowledge, TRD has not track tested the E15 fuel. However, White believes the move to an ethanol blend "is the right thing to do." According to the ethanol.org website, ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane motor fuel that is produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn. In 2003, NASCAR inked a 10-year deal with Sunoco to be the official fuel supplier for the sport. Sources say Sunoco, which produces ethanol blends, will continue to provide teams with fuel. Growth Energy, a pro-ethanol coalition backed by POET, an ethanol producer, will be NASCAR marketing partner. FoxSports