Across the USA on One Tank of Non-Petroleum Fuel -- made possible by Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel

HOUSTON -- June 12, 2015: A team of motorsport enthusiasts will drive from Atlantic Coast of Florida to the Pacific Coast of California on just one tank of renewable fuel in June 21-26, 2015. This is made possible by NEXBTL renewable fuel that is produced from bio-based raw materials by Neste, the world's largest producer of renewable diesel.

"Americans have a long tradition of taking cross-country road trips, sometimes aiming for speed records, sometimes just making a leisurely jaunt. One team is taking a different approach to this long-distance challenge in the middle of June 2015: drive coast-to-coast on one tank of fuel made of completely bio-based raw materials. We believe this may be a first time for this type of trip," said Kaisa Hietala, Executive Vice President, Renewable Products at Neste.

NEXBTL renewable diesel – a high-performing low carbon biofuel

Neste's NEXBTL renewable diesel can replace petroleum diesel on a drop-in basis due to having the same chemical properties as the ultra-low sulfur diesel. It can also reduce carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional diesel by as much as 90 percent over its lifecycle. NEXBTL is fully compatible with all diesel engines and delivers better performance because it has higher cetane and burns more completely than petroleum diesel. NEXBTL is not the same product as biodiesel (FAME).

Neste provides NEXBTL renewable diesel to U.S. refiners, blenders and fuel distributors. NEXBTL is also available to consumers at retail stations in Northern California.

Race car and stunt driver Tanner Foust joins a team of motorsport enthusiasts

The Guest Champion in Across the USA challenge is Tanner Foust, four-time X Games gold medal winner, three-time U.S. Rallycross champion and two-time Formula Drift champion.

"I'm really excited about the next project I'm doing. It is NEXBTL renewable diesel and we are driving across the entire U.S. on one tank of fuel. It will be an amazing trip," said Foust.

Other drivers are Pat O'Keefe, Vice President of Golden Gate Petroleum and owner of CLP Motorsports; Luke Lonberger, an experienced motorsports driver and General Manager at CLP Motorsports; and Michel von Disterlo, a lead mechanic at CLP Motorsports.

The Car is a Superlite Coupe powered by Volkswagen engine

The car is a Superlite Coupe (SLC) that is custom-built by CLP Motorsports. It has the aerodynamics necessary for maximum efficiency at speed, which is enhanced by a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis and fiberglass body. The SLC has all of the handling of a race car, but it is street legal and is powered by a modified Volkswagen 1.9-liter TDI diesel engine.

2,400 miles and through eight states

The across the USA drive will start on Sunday the 21st of June. The SLC car will drive across the United States on Interstate 10, the fourth-longest transcontinental highway in the U.S., which is more than 2,400 miles long. It runs through eight states, starting in Atlantic Beach, Florida, and ending on the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.

For more information on Neste's One Tank Across the USA Challenge, please see:

Team video: Neste Team Video