By Andrew Cutler
December 1 2008

The IRL's recent announcement regarding the switch in ethanol suppliers from an American to a Brazilian source has certianly had it's critics, from domestic ethanol producers to corn farmers associations to sports journalists. There have been calls from all for the league to scrap the deal, or for the fans to boycott the 2009 season.

In light of these calls, the IRL has seen fit to clarify why they made their deal with APEX-Brasil, and what it means to the American ethanol industry.

Terry Angstadt, the president of the IRL's commercial division, said that the league was happy with their three year partnership with EPIC - the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council -, but were informed earilier in the year that the deal would not be renewed & that EPIC itself was being shut down. This left the league searching for a new supply partner. "No one from any other part of the American-based ethanol community stepped forward with a substantial proposal."

Thus, the IRL began looking for a partner in Brazil, a world leader in ethanol production & developement.

While the deal will entail the use of Brazilian, suger cane-based ethanol at some events, Angstadt insists that APEX-Brasil will also be looking to build relationships with U.S., corn-based ethanol producers to supply fuel for other races. "Opportunities still exist for American ethanol companies and organizations to continue involvement in the IndyCar Series. We look forward to working with American producers and Brazilian producers of ethanol to promote [it] as a renewable energy source and part of the solution to lessen the United States' reliance on Middle Eastern oil."