August 4, 2025

Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol: Driving Corn Demand

Yesterday, the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race took to the track at Iowa Speedway, in Newton. Over 40,000 fans gathered to see the power and performance of ethanol, a product grown by Iowa’s corn farmers.

“The Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol NASCAR race is an event like no other,” said Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Ralph Lents. “Over half of Iowa’s corn crop is processed into ethanol, making it our largest market. So, the fact that this race not only demonstrates the power and performance of ethanol but also showcases Iowa Corn farmers sustainable practices growing one of the most versatile crops used for fuel, feed, food and 4,000 everyday products.”

In 2024, ethanol production added $437 million to the value of Iowa’s corn crop, lifting corn prices an average of 18 cents per bushel since 2002. Blending corn-based ethanol into fuel has saved Iowans $11 billion at the pump over the past 15 years and investments in programs, like the Iowa Corn 350, are only working to grow those savings.

“The fact that NASCAR uses ethanol to power their cars lap after lap, race after race, is a real testament to the high-quality fuel grown by farmers,” Lents said. “Farmers encourage drivers to fuel up like the pros and choose Unleaded 88/E15 for a cleaner burning, homegrown and more affordable fuel.”

When consumers fuel up with Unleaded 88, they average savings of over 10 cents per gallon. Iowa Corn is working to remove barriers to allow nationwide, year-round E15, also known as Unleaded 88, to be sold across the county and accessible to all Americans.