American Ethanol Hopes to Speed Up Awareness of the Fuel Alternative

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American Ethanol has launched a large campaign to further increase awareness of the fuel alternative among NASCAR fans.

Called the "American Ethanol Sweepstakes," the campaign began on June 8 and runs through Aug. 31. Included in the campaign are paid advertisements on television station TNT and www.nascar.com, as well as sponsorships at several race tracks. Additional elements of the campaign, which promotes the benefits of U.S. ethanol, will be released in the coming weeks, according to American Ethanol.

"NASCAR is the perfect platform to dispel the myths about U.S.-made ethanol," said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, which established American Ethanol in partnership with the National Corn Growers Association and others. "Not only are these fans among the most brand loyal in all of sports, but they also understand the importance of creating jobs here in America that cannot be outsourced, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and using a cleaner burning fuel to protect our environment -- all of which American Ethanol does."

Buis added that the American Ethanol campaign proves that if the fuel alternative can meet the high demands of NASCAR, consumers should trust it as well.

As for star power, the campaign features Austin Dillon, grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick also makes an appearance in one of the 30-second national television commercials.

In addition, Dillon will race in a Chevrolet featuring an American Ethanol paint scheme on June 17 at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway. Joey Coulter will do the same in his No. 22 Chevrolet  in the Camping World Truck Series races at Iowa Speedway on July 14.