National Boat Racing Association promotes ethanol use
QUINCY, Ill. — A newly formed partnership between the Renewable Fuels Association and National Boat Racing Association will provide all powered boats competing in the 2011 NBRA series event races with E10 fuel and promote the use of ethanol at events. The Renewable Fuels Association is a leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry.
“American boaters have been utilizing ethanol-blended fuel safely and effectively for years,” NBRA spokesman Vernon Barfield said in a release. “Ethanol-blended fuel provides the high-performance engines in this series with the horsepower and performance they need to win. We are excited to show that our racing boats are able to perform to their best capability using E10 fuel, shaking the myths that ethanol harms marine engines.”
E10 fuel has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use in all engine types, including marine equipment, automobiles and small or non?road engines. E15, a blend containing 15 percent ethanol, has been approved for cars after the 2001 model year but not for marine or other non-road engines.
A number of marine groups have expressed concerns that the higher blend could damage marine engines. Because of those and similar concerns, a coalition of auto, marine, motorcycle, outdoor power equipment, personal watercraft and snowmobile groups has campaigned to ensure the proper labeling of E15 fuel as well as the continued sale of gasoline blends of no greater than 10 percent ethanol.
Through the RFA/NBRA partnership, materials supporting the use of ethanol will be given out to the first 200 attendees at each NBRA event, and the RFA’s “Fueled With Pride” logo will be displayed on uniforms, course buoys and flags, T?shirts sold at the races, trophies presented at national events, near refueling areas of all boats, and on signs placed throughout the viewing area. Through an “Ethanol Driver Contingency Program,” cash awards will be given to those who promote their use of E10.
“It is important that America’s consumers are aware the benefits ethanol blended fuels and the positive impact this domestic made fuel has on our environment and our economy,” the RFA said of its outreach efforts.
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