(June 23, 2011) Garnett – Boat racing teams from more than twenty states will gather to compete at the National Boat Racing Association’s (NBRA) “Garnett Ethanol Hydroplane Nationals” this weekend, June 23-26 in Garnett, KS at the Cedar Valley Reservoir for a chance to break national straight away speed records using America’s fuel: E10 ethanol.

Racing events taking place on Thursday, June 23th and Friday, June 24th will be free and open to the public. Spectators are invited to watch drivers compete to qualify for the weekend races and attempting to set national speed records. Races held on Saturday, June 25th and Sunday, June 26th will have a $5.00 admission fee which includes a hot pit pass. The weekend races will take place from noon - 5:00pm. Over twenty states from across the country will be represented this weekend ranging from Washington to New York to Florida. This is the first time these speed record trials have been done in over a decade. The speed to beat in the beginner class, C-Stock, is 66 mph and in the fastest class, Super E, the top speed is 96 mph in a quarter-mile.

“World-class events like this provide the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of ethanol-blended fuels, both on the road and on the water,” said Robert White, RFA Director of Market Development. “The performance of these boats and the speeds at which they race should squash any misconception that ethanol and marine engines don’t mix. Ethanol-blended fuels are safe to use, reduce our dependence on imported oil, and create jobs here at home. The RFA is proud to partner with NBRA and looks forward to this event and the remainder of the racing season.”

The ethanol industry has a positive economic impact on the state of Kansas, providing jobs and new markets for farmers. Kansas is among the top ten ethanol producing states, producing 436.5 million gallons of ethanol in 2010. Garnett is home to numerous ethanol advocates including ethanol producer East Kansas Agri Energy, LLC, Kansas Corn Commission, Kansas Corn Growers Association and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. All organizations will be represented at the races.

“High speed races like these show that E10 ethanol is a safe and effective fuel to use in all engine types,” said Steve Gardner, General Manager of East Kansas Agri-Energy and RFA Board Member. “As an ethanol producer here in Kansas, I am invested in providing our state’s consumers with the best fuel for their engines. We look forward to watching the races this weekend and talking to attendees about ethanol blended fuels.”

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is a proud sponsor of the 2011 NBRA series event races that is taking place throughout the summer season. RFA will be at the races in Garnett all weekend to hand out fan bags to spectators and answer questions on ethanol. Through the partnership of the RFA and NBRA, ethanol pride will be displayed at every race. RFA’s “Fueled with Pride” logo will be displayed on uniforms, course buoys and flags, t-shirts sold at the races by NBRA, trophies, near refueling areas of all boats, and on signs placed throughout the viewing area.