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Minnesota Corn Growers Launch Ethanol Cup Racing Series

Gentleman, start your ethanol-powered engines!

Minnesota’s corn farmers are launching the Ethanol Cup during the upcoming 2014 racing season at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, MN located 15 miles south of Rochester.

Drivers who use a minimum 15% ethanol in their cars will qualify to compete in the $5,000 Ethanol Cup point fund. The competition is an opportunity for Minnesota corn farmers to connect with consumers about the benefits of clean, renewable and homegrown ethanol.

“The Corn Growers were part of a successful coalition that recently introduced E15 to Minnesota consumers,� said Chad Willis, a corn farmer in Willmar and chair of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s (MCGA) Food and Bioenergy team. “The Ethanol Cup is another way to introduce people to the benefits of E15, which include cleaner air, lower fuel prices and a boost to the rural economy.�

Currently, E15 is available at fueling stations in South Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Shakopee, Maplewood, Willmar and Sleepy Eye. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the use of E15 fuel in cars, trucks and SUVs model 2001 or newer, which represents about 75 percent of vehicles on Minnesota roads.

Generally, E15 is also priced less than regular unleaded fuel blended with the standard 10 percent ethanol.

 

 

 

Ethanol Cup

The Ethanol Cup will consist of a points structure combining the five weekly classes racing at Deer Creek Speedway in 2014.  The champion will be crowned at the annual banquet in November and receive a check for $1000, 2nd 850, 3rd 700, 4th 600, 5th 500, 6th 400, 7th 275, 8th 250, 9th 225, 10th 200.

All drivers running at least 15% ethanol are eligible to compete for the 2014 Ethanol Cup. Points will be awarded during the feature race only.  Drivers will receive points for their finish position along with bonus point for passing cars and class car counts.

The first 13 scheduled point races of the season will be used to qualify for a final three-race “Dash to the Ethanol Cup� in August. Qualifying runs April 5 to July 19 with the top 15 cars qualifying. The “Dash to the Ethanol� cup begins Aug. 8 and ends on Aug. 23.  For more information regarding the 2014 Ethanol Cup visit http://www.deercreekspeedway.com/driver-info/ethanol-cup/ or email cole@deercreekspeedway.com

“Buzz is already building for the Ethanol Cup and we look forward to kicking it off,� said Randy Queensland of Deer Creek Speedway. “Farming is a major part of the economy here in southern Minnesota and Deer Creek is proud to partner with Minnesota’s corn farmers on this unique series of races.�

For more information on MCGA, visit www.mncorn.org. To learn more about Deer Creek Speedway, including a full racing schedule and track information, visit http://www.deercreekspeedway.com/

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