NASCAR, EPA to promote high-efficiency vehicles

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have formed a partnership to promote high-efficiency, fuel-saving vehicles to fans attending NASCAR races.

This weekend at the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Chevrolet vehicles that are EPA SmartWay certified will be on display for fans. The SmartWay logo identifies products and services that reduce transportation-related emissions. At the event, fans are encouraged to look for the "SmartWay Certified Vehicles on Display Here!" banner.

Dodge, Ford and Toyota manufacturers also competing in NASCAR, will showcase their SmartWay vehicles at upcoming Sprint Cup Series events in which they have exclusive racetrack partnerships. Chevrolet is the official vehicle partner of Richmond International Raceway.

"The EPA and NASCAR are joining together in this innovative partnership to showcase fuel-efficient vehicles made by the manufacturers our fans root for each week," said Marcus Jadotte, managing director, public affairs for NASCAR. "While helping our manufacturer partners promote their vehicles, NASCAR is also sharing an important conservation message. When NASCAR and its fans can reduce our fuel consumption, we'll also limit greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution to help improve our environment."

SmartWay is a designation earned by vehicles meeting EPA-set Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Scores. Higher Air Pollution Scores indicate vehicles with reduced levels of emissions that cause smog and health problems. Higher Greenhouse Gas Scores indicate vehicles with reduced levels of greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel economy.

Among NASCAR's vehicle partners, a variety of makes and models have received the EPA SmartWay designation, providing drivers with a range of options whether they're looking for a compact car, mid-size sedan or sport utility vehicle. Using Model Year 2008 data, there are more than 2,600 different models and configurations available; more than 690 model configurations, or approximately 26 percent, are SmartWay certified.

"Only the 'greenest' vehicles merit SmartWay designation," said EPA SmartWay program manager Mitch Greenberg. "Since NASCAR fans are auto enthusiasts, it makes sense for EPA and NASCAR to partner together to raise awareness of SmartWay-certified vehicles."

Following are some upcoming Sprint Cup Series races that will have SmartWay vehicle display areas. Ford will display its SmartWay vehicles at the Camping World RV 400 presented by Coleman on Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway and the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16. Dodge will showcase its SmartWay vehicles at the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 5. Toyota's SmartWay vehicles will be seen at an upcoming race and location to be determined. Fans interested in SmartWay certified vehicles can visit EPA's SmartWay Web site at http://www.epa.gov/smartway.