Indianapolis 500 runs on Sugarcane Ethanol

INDIANAPOLIS, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Indianapolis motorists are invited to fill up for less today at McClure Oil located at 4945 W 71st St, Indianapolis. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:55 p.m., an 85 cents per gallon* discount is being offered on E85 and regular gas, thanks to a promotion by the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) to increase U.S. awareness of sugarcane ethanol as an environmentally friendly fuel. UNICA provides 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol for the IZOD IndyCar Series.

In addition to the 85 cents per gallon discount, drivers can also enter to win one of ten $50 fuel cards, see an IndyCar up close and meet Firestone Indy Lights drivers. The first 20 participants will receive two tickets to the Indy 500 Miller Lite Carb Day on Friday, May 28.

"UNICA is excited to be here in Indianapolis, celebrating Indy 500 and ethanol. We're here with IndyCar to promote ethanol use in hopes that the more people are aware of the benefits of ethanol, the more they will use it," said Leticia Phillips, UNICA spokesperson. She also commented on the use of ethanol in Brazil saying, "Flex-Fuel Vehicles now make up 90 percent of new car sales in Brazil. Drivers have the option of using ethanol or gasoline, based on the pricing that particular day. Over the last 30 years, Brazil has replaced half of its gasoline needs."

The discount event is made possible by UNICA's partnership with Apex-Brasil - the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency. Apex-Brasil is the Official Energy and Trade Partner of the IZOD IndyCar Series as well as the Firestone Indy Lights.

*Limit: 15 gallons per vehicle

ABOUT UNICA

The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) represents the top producers of sugar and ethanol in the country's South-Central region, especially the state of Sao Paulo, which accounts for about 50% of the country's sugarcane harvest and 60% of total ethanol production. UNICA develops position papers, statistics and specific research in support of Brazil's sugar, ethanol and bioelectricity sectors. In 2008, Brazil produced an estimated 565 million metric tons of sugarcane, which yielded 31.3 million tons of sugar and 25.7 billion liters (6.8 billion gallons) of ethanol.

ABOUT APEX-BRASIL

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency's (Apex-Brasil) mission comprehends a series of endeavors which include the promotion of exports of Brazilian products and services to foreign countries, the development of the internationalization of Brazilian companies and undertakings focused on attracting foreign investment into the country. At the moment, Apex-Brasil gives support to over 70 sectors of the Brazilian economy, ranging from agribusiness to machines, technology, architecture and civil construction, entertainment and services to fashion and industrial equipment. Every year, Apex-Brasil provides assistance to Brazilian companies' participation in more than 800 events – both in Brazil and abroad.  In order to strengthen the internationalization of Brazilian companies in the United States, the Agency has a Business Support Center in Miami that provides local assistance to Brazilian companies.

SOURCE Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA)

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