Street Stock Champion Joe Small Fueled By Ethanol In 2005 : Raceway Media

Milton, VT – As Joe Small gears up for the Merchants Bank 150 this weekend at Thunder Road, things are business as usual in the race shop.

But it’s a different story in the gas tank.

Small will be the research and development driver for Thunder Road’s new alternative energy program in 2005, and will use an Ethanol/gasoline fuel mix to power his Sun Ray Security Ford Escort as he tries to defend his Allen Lumber Street Stock Championship from a year ago.

Thunder Road President Tom Curley, Thunder Road founder and co-owner Ken Squier, and Robert Ide, director of the Vermont Governor’s Commission on Alternative Energy, have devised a plan to begin switching the entry-level Street Stock division to a cleaner-burning, corn-based Ethanol fuel. The effort is believed to be the first by a stock car organization in the United States, and was built to send a message that alternative methods of powering not just race cars, but any automobile, are feasible and practical.

“I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Small. “When everyone is using Ethanol in their street cars in ten years, they’ll look back and remember that it all started with a little race track in Barre, Vermont. It’s kind of neat to think that I could be helping to make a difference.”

Small’s first race with the Ethanol fuel will be this weekend at the Merchants Bank 150 Thunder Road season opener. The Merchants Bank Car Show will be held on Main Street in Barre City from 9am-Noon on Sat., April 30. “Class Day” ceremonies will begin at 1pm on Sun., May 1, with qualifying action at 1:30pm. For more information, call (802) 244-6963 or visit www.thunderroadspeedbowl.com.

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