WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Growth Energy will join racing fans across the country to celebrate the induction of NASCAR’s 2017 Hall of Fame honorees, including racing legend Richard Childress, a longtime champion for ethanol-based fuels.
“Richard Childress purchased his first racecar for $20 dollars at the age of 17 and has been making automotive history ever since,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “In fact, he helped introduce the sport to ethanol, demonstrating time and again the performance benefits of higher-octane, homegrown fuels. We could not be more excited to join loyal fans across the country in celebrating his recognition by the Hall of Fame.”
Childress, who also serves as a Board member at Growth Energy, got his start in 1969 and earned 76 top-10 finishes in 285 races before handing over driving duties to Dale Earnhardt in 1981. He later founded Richard Childress Racing, a 17-time NASCAR championship-winning organization that continues to drive innovation in the sport.
In 2011, Childress was among the leaders who helped launch the NASCAR Green initiative, which included a switch to Sunoco Green E15, a 21st century fuel containing 15 percent American ethanol. Since then, NASCAR has surpassed 10 million miles on the fuel. E15 is also available off-the-track, and American consumers have driven more than 500 million miles on the blend, reducing emissions, saving money, and boosting engine performance.
“I congratulate Richard on this historic achievement and all those victories still yet to come,” added Skor. “His career is a tribute to American ingenuity and perseverance, and we’re proud to count him as a friend.”
# # #