Indy Racing Turns Its Back on U.S. Energy

American Future Fund's latest radio ad continues its commitment for U.S. energy independence

DES MOINES, Iowa, November 26, 2008: American Future Fund (AFF) today launched "Race," a radio ad which urges Hoosiers to call the Indy Racing League (IRL) and tell them to continue using American ethanol in its race cars. The ad can be heard: HERE . In a multi-year deal announced on Nov. 18, the IRL named APEX-Brasil as the official ethanol supplier for the IndyCar Series. As a result, the Indy 500, an American institution, could be powered with foreign fuel. "It's amazing that amid all the progress we have made toward energy independence, the IRL decides to set us back," said AFF Communications Director Tim Albrecht. "It's mind-boggling as to why the league would take this action in an economic downturn. This is a slap in the face to American farmers and workers." Currently, there are more than 180 ethanol producers in the United States. The IRL's decision blocks them from pumping an American-made product into their cars, and opts for foreign competitors to control a monopoly on the market. American Future Fund has long called for measures that lead the United States to energy independence with its "America First Energy Agenda." Found energy, the agenda strongly supports the use of homegrown renewable fuels.

"Our hope is that local citizens will stick up for what's right, and demand the IRL rescind its deal with Brazil," continued Albrecht. "This is a matter of energy independence and keeping our jobs here at home. The IRL may turn its back on the people of Indiana and the Midwest, but AFF will steadfastly stand with America's energy producers."

The Indy Racing League just made a deal with a Brazilian ethanol producer, making it the official ethanol supplier for the Indy Car Series. Unbelievably, the Brickyard will be fueled by foreign energy. Indy cars will no longer be powered by corn grown in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. Indiana workers and farmers are fighting to stay afloat during economic crisis. Renewable energy jobs are critical to our local economies. And ethanol produced here helps make America more energy independent. But the IRL is turning its back on Indiana farmers and workers -- and choosing foreign energy over clean, renewable, homegrown fuels.