NASCAR moves to alternative fuels

Is is fitting that at the start of every NASCAR race they wave a green flag? As I have previously posted, NASCAR is finally beginning to make their move to alternative, green fuels. Like other racing leagues, companies and organizations, NASCAR is beginning to make their move to become more environmentally friendly.

Currently, NASCAR is only in discussions with their partners. They recently have held conferences on their environment issues with its partners Sunoco Inc and General Motors.

NASCAR does not impact the environment too much with their races but they do impact it symbolically. If people see that NASCAR is willing to make the move to alternative fuels, perhaps NASCAR will be able to persuade them to move on other fuels.

NASCAR administration says that they have they are receiving many car makers willing to help them out. They have Toyota, GM, Ford and Chrysler all offering their support. NASCAR simply needs to take the time out to research and develop their sport to use alternative fuels.

To NASCAR’s credit, they have already answered calls for better safety by introducing new automobiles dubbed the “Cars of Tomorrow” into many of the races this year. Over the course of the 2008 race season, they will use the cars that have been designed to be safer and much more cost effective.

e85 Ethanol saves turkeys

Very indirectly, at least, and only for a couple of lucky turkeys.

Today, President Bush granted two turkeys full presidential pardons to “May” and “Flower” at the yearly Thanksgiving pardon.

The reason why this makes ethanol news is because these two turkeys were brought to the ceremony in a Flex-fueled Ford F-150. Ford explained that the F-150 used to transport the two turkeys was fueled with E85.

Ford is supporting the use and production of alternative renewable fuels such as ethanol. Ford also promises to make millions of vehicles that run on E85 as a way of reducing U.S. dependency on importing oil from overseas. When Congress returns from its Thanksgiving holiday in December, it is expected to review an energy bill that increases the required fuel efficiency of vehicles by as much as 40 percent, or 35 miles per gallon.

This bill is most likely a long shot but perhaps we should begin to say good bye to our Hummers.