Stop Your Engines

Comments flooded The Sleuth on Super Tuesday in response to NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) big winner Jimmie Johnson's visit to the Oval Office followed by a stop at Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's suite.

Despite much speculation surrounding the gathering of this unlikely duo, could it be that an outspoken leader of alternative fuels and energy independence like Pelosi, was simply attempting to influence Johnson, also a California native, in NASCAR's troublesome race towards going green?

A representative from NASCAR.com apologized after being unable to offer information on the Turner Sports owned organization and its steps towards becoming eco-friendly, but passed along the telephone number for the main office. Unfortunately, as of press time the office was closed.

The Earth Island Institute reported on NASCAR Going Green? in their Autumn 2005 Journal where similar inconclusive results were discovered.

Still, NASCAR has not found an alternative to leaded fuel, which they say helps their engines run more smoothly. According to NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Posten, quoted in Sporting News, NASCAR has looked into and will continue to look into making the switch to unleaded, but has not been able to find an alternative to lead, which lubricates engine valves. Posten reiterated his concerns during a segment by NPR s Living on Earth that aired May 6, 2005. It s not as simple a process as you might think, but it is one that we re working on and it is absolutely a high priority and that is why we are continuing to work with EPA to find the solution.

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