Web exclusive posted Feb. 14, 2008, at 10:10 a.m. CST 

 
 When drivers start their engines at the opening IndyCar Series race March 29 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, members of LifeLine Foods Co-op may be cheering whether they're racing fans or not. That's because the St. Joseph, Mo.-based corn processor is this year's official supplier of the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol that will be used in all Indy race cars. LifeLine was selected as the fuel supplier after submitting a winning bid to the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC). The company will supply approximately 12,000 gallons of fuel to the IndyCar Series throughout the 16-race series.
 
 EPIC spokeswoman Joanna Schroeder said the council and IndyCar reviewed the potential fuel supplier bids, but EPIC made the final decision. Lifeline was chosen for several reasons, she said. "LifeLine is a very unique plant and has a great story."
 
 LifeLine is the first plant in United States to produce both food and fuel from corn in one process, according to Schroeder. Portions of the corn kernels are processed for use in potato chips, cheese crisps and other various foods while other portions become ethanol and distillers grains. 
 
 "In addition, there are particular fuel specifications relating to motor sports, and [LifeLine] understood those fuel specs very well," Schroeder said. She added that LifeLine worked with last season's fuel supplier Renova Energy to ensure success in meeting those fuel specs. Renova didn't submit a proposal to become this year's ethanol supplier.
 
 LifeLine will monitor the quality of its ethanol before shipping the fuel to Indianapolis, where it will be stored at Superior Solvents and Chemicals Inc. From there, chemists and technicians will load the ethanol into tankers and distribute it to each racing event.
 
 "Obviously it's really important when you're producing fuel for multi-million dollar race cars that your fuel is really top-notch, and LifeLine is a great partner to work with us on that," Schroeder said. "The ethanol industry in general always produces very high-quality fuel, and [LifeLine] just takes it to that next step."

LifeLine Foods to fuel IndyCar Series

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Upcoming Events

North American SAF Conference & Expo

2026 International Biomass Conference & Expo

LifeLine Foods to fuel IndyCar Series