By Dave Lewandowski
indy500.com
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Bodman Press Conference Transcript
U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman congratulated the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for "spreading the word" of ethanol's potential as an alternative to imported oil May 11 during a visit to the historic facility on "Ethanol Day."
A blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent methanol powers the Honda Indy V-8 engines that will compete in the 90th Indianapolis 500 and throughout the 2006 IndyCar Series season. In 2007, the series will adopt 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol as it continues to be the motorsports leader in renewable and environmentally responsible fuel produced in America. This year marks the first time since 1965 (when methanol was introduced to Indy car-style racing) that an alterative fuel has been used for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
"The reason that this race commands worldwide attention every year is the high level of competition it provides and the very high technical standards, which over time have leant to changes in new products in consumer cars," said Bodman, who grew up in Illinois but had never visited the race course.
"I think ethanol can be one of those products. We are hopeful that 30, 40, 50 years from now, when we have a majority of our motor fuels coming from ethanol, that we will look back on it and say it was the commitment by the Speedway and the IRL that set an example for the rest of the country."
Bodman said that President Bush has directed the Department of Energy to develop technologies and increase production of ethanol in the next decade. In his State of the Union address in January, President Bush said that the country "is addicted to oil" and ethanol offers a cost-conscious alternative.
Ethanol is made from a variety of plants including corn, milo/sorghum, sugar cane and cellulose material. Other economically viable sources are available.
"We're hopeful getting significant increases," Bodman said. "The use of ethanol is increasing about 30 to 40 percent per year. The good news is we manufacture about 6 billion gallons of ethanol a year; the bad news is we use 140 billion gallons (of gasoline) every year in this country. The president has directed our department to work on developing a technology to manufacture ethanol from waste products, cellulose, corn stover, switch grass and wood chips. That will lower the price, and that we think will get us to about one-third to one-half of the total usage of motor fuel usage in our country."
Bodman said ongoing initiatives include working with automobile manufacturers to produce more "flex fuel" vehicles that can run on ethanol, gasoline or a combination; working with oil companies to produce more E-85 (85 percent ethanol); and retailers to include E-85 pumps at their stations.
"We're developing technologies and techniques to make more ethanol and make it even less expensive than it is today," Bodman said. "Gradually, and it will take a decade or more, we believe we can wean ourselves from a commitment to oil and use more and more ethanol in our motor fuels. The idea that the Speedway has made this commitment is great for the country and great for the Speedway."
Arriving at the Speedway, Bodman toured the Rahal Letterman Racing garage. Jeff Simmons provided a brief explanation of how his No. 17 Team Ethanol Rahal Letterman Racing Panoz/Honda/Firestone can top 225 mph at the 2.5-mile Speedway.
Bodman then got a close-up look at the famous oval in an Indy Racing Experience two-seater driven by IndyCar Series driver Davey Hamilton. Though the car reached only 180 mph, "that was the thrill of a lifetime," Bodman said after removing his Team Ethanol fire suit.
"It's truly a dream come true to be here," he said.
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Indy 500 tickets on sale: Tickets are on sale for the 2006 Indianapolis 500, the 90th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.
Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Monday-Sunday during May, with special hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on WorldPoints Visa Card Pole Day and 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on Race Day. Online orders can be made at any time.
Ticket prices start at just $20.
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