As the 2011 NASCAR racing season launches with a new, greener fuel, the nation’s corn growers are joining forces with NASCAR to promote the use of corn-based American ethanol. As an Official Partner of NASCAR, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will leverage its relationship to spread the message to NASCAR fans around the country about the role American farmers play in the development of ethanol.

In December 2010, NASCAR unveiled its partnership with American Ethanol just weeks after announcing a 2011 switch in its three major national series to Sunoco Green E15, a new 15% ethanol blend fuel made with corn grown in the United States. Growth Energy, a leading ethanol advocacy organization, created the American Ethanol partnership to push for broad acceptance of a renewable domestic fuel for all American motorists.

“We’re greatly excited about this opportunity to help educate NASCAR fans at the race tracks and around the country about the great work of our corn growers in feeding and fueling the world,” says NCGA Chairman Darrin Ihnen, a family farmer from Hurley, S.D. “Ethanol is a growing use for corn, and provides us a domestic, renewable fuel that reduces emissions and creates jobs right here at home. We are encouraging corn farmers nationwide to watch the Daytona 500 on February 20, and be proud of their role in fueling NASCAR and the nation.”

“NASCAR is very proud to welcome as partners the hard-working family farmers all over the United States who grow the corn that will be used in our new Sunoco Green E15 fuel,” says Brian France, Chairman and CEO of NASCAR. “We are happy our sport can play a part in creating jobs and fostering energy independence by using a renewable fuel grown and produced in America.”

NCGA will work closely with Growth Energy throughout the 2011 NASCAR season to create educational and promotional activities in support of the corn growers who play a vital role in the American ethanol industry.

NASCAR fans can expect to see visible reminders of the new greener fuel throughout the season. A new public awareness campaign for NASCAR Green, featuring images of American farmers will air starting with the broadcast of the Daytona 500. Additionally, corn farmers will be on hand at many races throughout the season to answer questions about their contribution to producing this renewable ethanol.

“The goal is to bring ethanol’s positive messages from job creation to cleaner air to consumers. When people hear a message like ‘American Ethanol: Trusted By NASCAR,’ that carries a lot of weight and adds to ethanol’s credibility and reputation,” Ihnen says.