Mark Thomas and Ethanol at Indianapolis Speedway

By Randy Jackenheimer for Mark Thomas Racing Inc.

Ethanol Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway provided another opportunity for Mark Thomas to share his vision of American Independence from Foreign oil by the use of renewable sources of Ethanol.  The Ethanol Performs GM 06 Monte Carlo piloted by Thomas was on display with several other race vehicles at the famous speedway, all emblazoned with Ethanol graphics. “We love going out and promoting Ethanol, it’s something we truly believe in!” said Thomas “but it really makes a big impression when you have several race teams come together showing their support…it really shows how immense this initiative really is and how it important it is to all of us.”

There were many representatives from a number organizations including EPIC (Ethanol Promotion Information Council) on hand for this great event. Mark was ecstatic over getting to speak to U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. Thomas said “This has been such a great day, we were able to share the message promoting Ethanol, we were able to meet some great people and make more new friends.” Thomas and members of his team had the opportunity to spend some time on pit row and watch some practice laps at the speedway. Mark also spent some time with drivers Buddy Rice, Danica Patrick and Jeff Simmons of Rahal Letterman Racing. “Everyone we met couldn’t have been any nicer to us…this event along with the others we have been to recently have all been fun and very successful , I couldn’t be any happier!” said Thomas.

The appearance at Indy was the debut of the 2006 Flex Fuel GM Yukon presented to Thomas to use as a pit vehicle for the 2006 Emax IHRA race season by Haydocy Automotive in Columbus, Ohio. An elated Thomas said “Chris and P.J. Haydocy are such strong supporters of Ethanol and the GM Flex Fuel vehicle programs, I can’t begin to express how much I appreciate their letting us use this beautiful Ethanol vehicle for the season!”

Mark Thomas with United States Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 11, 2006.