If you want to know a quality performance fuel, you look at what racecar drivers are pumping into their tanks.

A growing number of racing leagues have already declared energy independence-leaving behind methanol derived from fossil fuels, and discovering the high performance of domestically-produced corn-based ethanol, which runs cooler and so produces less wear per mile than conventional racing fuels. Indy 500 and all the other Indy race events run on 100 percent ethanol fuel. Here in Minnesota, we will host the fourth annual Governor's Ethanol Challenge, running from July 8-11.

"The Corn Growers will be out there talking to the fans and promoting ethanol," said Chad Willis, a volunteer organizer of the event. Willis, who farms near Willmar, serves as treasurer for the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council. "We'll have volunteers from local corn organizations in Kandiyohi, Pope, Chippewa, Lac Qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties who will come to the events to sell commemorative t-shirts. We'll also have MCGA regional representatives Richard Severson and Lyle Rollag, and folks from the American Lung Association of Minnesota out to help talk about the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol.

The GEC racing schedule:
July 8 - Viking Speedway, Alexandria
July 9 - Madison Speedway, Madison
July 10 - KRA Speedway, Willmar
July 11 - Fiesta City Speedway, Montevideo