Foxboro, Mass. - Invensys Process System has announced that it is joining forces with the Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR) and Team Ethanol to raise awareness of ethanol and its use as a renewable energy resource. Beginning this season, Invensys will be a sponsor of the No. 17 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Ethanol IndyCar driven by Indy Racing League rookie of the year contender Jeff Simmons. Invensys' sponsorship coincides with a milestone in motor sports in that the 2007 IndyCar Series® is the first event in which all cars are powered with 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol. The2007 IndyCar Series runs through September and includes the Indianapolis 500 on May 27th.
The ethanol promotion is a cooperative effort between Team Ethanol, the IndyCar Series, RLR and the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). EPIC is an alliance of ethanol producers and industry leaders who have come together to raise public awareness about the benefits of ethanol.
"Invensys is proud to help demonstrate the viability of ethanol as a reliable fuel source," says Ken Brown, vice president and general manager of the Measurements and Instruments division at Invensys Process Systems. "This sponsorship underscores Invensys' commitment to the U.S. ethanol industry and our focus on supporting the understanding, acceptance and efficient production of ethanol."
Ethanol is a high-octane, high-performance fuel that is clean burning, renewable and made in America. As a growing component of the United States gasoline supply, it delivers improved vehicle performance for all passenger cars and trucks while reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Indy Racing League began its conversion to fuel-grade ethanol at the start of the 2006 racing season by requiring cars to be fueled with a maximum blend of 90% methanol and 10% ethanol. Prior to 2006, IndyCar racecars had been using methanol fuel since the 1960s. The 2007 IndyCar Series is the first event in motor sports whereby all cars will use 100% fuel-grade ethanol.
Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR), is one of the leading open-wheel North American race teams in the Indy Racing League. It is co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal and CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman. Formed in 1992, RLR has compiled a record of 19 victories, 28 poles and one series championship (Bobby Rahal in 1992 in CART) and an Indianapolis 500 championship (Rice in 2004).
Team Ethanol is RLR's entry into the all-ethanol race. It is funded by the major ethanol design-build firms Fagen Inc., ICM Inc. and Broin Companies, who are the industry leaders in the 4-billion gallon ethanol market. Team Ethanol also includes ethanol industry related companies who have joined together in a voluntary industry-wide coalition that represents more than one-half of the industry, which includes the Foxboro Measurements and Instruments division of Invensys process systems.
