Evan Bayh: “I rise today to applaud the Indy Racing League, IRL, for its decision to use ethanol in its race cars and the impact…”

“I rise today to applaud the Indy Racing League, IRL, for its decision to use ethanol in its race cars and the impact that decision has had on efforts to inform Americans about this important alternative fuel. Since 1911, Indiana has been the center of the autoracing 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. This year all of the IndyCars will race on a 10-percent ethanol blend before switching to a 100-percent ethanol fuel next year. With this change, the corn harvested on farms across the country will power the fastest cars in the world. The ethanol that will power its race cars 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 farm fields, we can ensure a reliable domestic energy supply to meet our Nation's needs while ending our reliance on unstable countries such as Saudia Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela for their oil and creating thousands of jobs for Hoosier farmers. Every Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans and sports fans from around the world watch the Indy 500.…”