From the corn fields of Indiana to the fast-paced tracks of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, a major shift is coming for agriculture and motorsports.
Beginning next season, every INDYCAR—including those you see during the Indianapolis 500—will run on an updated 100-percent renewable race fuel powered by Indiana corn!
For the state’s corn producers, the shift offers an unprecedented global platform. Indiana ranks as the fifth-largest corn-producing state in the nation, planting nearly 5.5 million acres that yield upward of 1 billion bushels annually. With roughly 40% of the state’s corn grind dedicated to ethanol production across 15 local ethanol biorefineries, the partnership validates the high performance and sustainability of homegrown fuel.
J.R. Roesner, a corn farmer from Ferdinand in Dubois County, Indiana, and board member for both the Indiana Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association, notes that the collaboration underscores the vital link between modern agriculture and high-tech energy solutions.
“We’re very excited to see that INDYCAR has decided to use 100 percent Indiana-grown ethanol,” Roesner says. “It’s a huge win for us in the corn industry as well as race fans. You know, the performance that ethanol gives to these IndyCars is remarkable, and to see them realizing how sustainable Indiana corn farmers are, and how we can grow that fuel that they need to power these high-performance cars, is just amazing.”
According to INDYCAR, the updated fuel achieves at least a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline average gasoline standard under the Renewable Fuel Standard, all while maintaining the rigorous durability and horsepower required by engine manufacturers.
Roesner emphasizes that showcasing this efficiency on an international stage—especially at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway—shifts public perception regarding the capabilities of corn-based ethanol.
“As we look at the INDYCAR series and what that means to consumers and to fans around the world, it really highlights what this fuel is capable of,” Roesner explains. “Whether you’re a die-hard race fan or a casual race fan, everybody at some point watches the Indy 500. To have their fans watch the 500 or watch different INDYCAR series events is really going to make this a great partnership and really help promote ethanol not only to the country, but to the world.”
The agricultural sector is also leveraging the momentum to advocate for legislative priorities on Capitol Hill, such as securing permanent, year-round sales for E15 fuel. Producers argue that expanding access to higher ethanol blends provides everyday motorists with cleaner-burning fuel options and significant cost savings at the pump.
Looking ahead to the start of the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Indiana farmers see the INDYCAR partnership as proof that homegrown innovation can successfully power the future of transportation on and off the track.
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