Indiana corn farmers applaud use of Indiana ethanol in INDYCAR race fuel

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Aug. 24, 2026) — The Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Corn Growers Association (ICGA) are delighted to see Indiana-grown corn once again playing a role in the future of INDYCAR racing through Shell’s updated 100 percent Renewable Race Fuel, which will debut during the 2027 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

The new fuel formulation will incorporate renewable ethanol sourced from Indiana, bringing together two of the state’s iconic industries – agriculture and motorsports. The announcement also highlights the important role Indiana ethanol plays in creating markets for corn grown by Hoosier farmers.

“This is great news for Indiana farmers,” said J.R. Roesner, ICGA Board Member and corn farmer from Ferdinand, Ind. “Ethanol is a major industry in our state and accounts for more than 40 percent of our corn grind. It’s exciting to see a homegrown, renewable fuel from Indiana become part of the fuel powering INDYCAR race cars.” 

On its website, INDYCAR reported the updated Shell 100 percent Renewable Race Fuel is expected to deliver at least a 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with the Renewable Fuel Standard average gasoline baseline. The fuel will continue to meet the performance and durability requirements of INDYCAR and its engine manufacturers.

For Indiana corn farmers, seeing their crop and its renewable products showcased in innovative competitions like motorsports is another example of the diverse markets created by Indiana’s corn industry.

State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), also an ICMC Board member, applauded Friday’s announcement. Nearly one year ago, Prescott called on INDYCAR to source its ethanol from Indiana, urging the racing series to support American farmers and domestic ethanol producers.

“Racing is a part of Indiana’s heritage, so it makes sense that the fuel powering these incredible race cars should support Hoosier farmers and workers,” Prescott said. “I’m proud to see INDYCAR make this change, bringing the purchase of ethanol back home. This decision will support Indiana’s corn farmers, strengthen our ethanol industry and benefit our state’s economy.”

This result could not have happened without the combined efforts of ICGA and ICMC. While ICGA campaigned state and federal lawmakers for more opportunities to expand Indiana’s ethanol industry, ICMC worked with ethanol producers to site new bioprocessing facilities throughout the state.

Indiana plants nearly 5.5 million acres of corn each year, and those acres yield more than 1 billion bushels. Indiana is the fifth-largest, corn-producing state in America. Corn farmers who work within 30 miles of one of the state’s 15 ethanol plant can realize an 18-23 cent per bushel premium on corn prices. At more than 1.4 billion gallons per year, Indiana is the fifth-largest U.S. producer of ethanol – accounting for nearly 8 percent of the total U.S. ethanol output.

“Since its creation in 2007, the Indiana Corn Marketing Council has worked diligently in making sure the infrastructure was in place so that Hoosier farmers could benefit from the opportunities of an expanding ethanol market,” said ICMC President Susan Brocksmith, a corn farmer from Vincennes, Ind. “This announcement is another success story from that work. Without the efforts of bringing 15 ethanol biorefineries into Indiana, we may not have had the ability to fulfill the needs to supply INDYCAR’s racing fuel needs.”

Media requests can be sent to Dave Blower Jr. at 317-644-0980 or dblower@indianacorn.com.

####

About Indiana Corn Marketing Council: The Indiana Corn Marketing Council was established by the Indiana General Assembly to promote the interests of corn growers in the state and to manage corn checkoff funds. The Council is composed of 17 voting directors who guide investments of corn checkoff funds on behalf of more than 20,000 Indiana corn farmers. The ICMC works to assist corn farmers through its strategic initiatives of market development; environmental, social and economic sustainability; value creation and producer engagement.

About Indiana Corn Growers Association: The Indiana Corn Growers Association works with state and federal governments to develop and promote sound policies that benefit Indiana corn farmers. The ICGA consists of nine farmer-directors who provide leadership to the organization on behalf of more than 800 members statewide.

This communication was funded in part with Indiana corn checkoff dollars.