The American Le Mans Series has announced a deal that will see KL Process Design Group supply the series with cellulosic E85 racing ethanol for the 2008 season.

The fuel, produced from waste wood, will be used for the first time during the season opener at Sebring, with Corvette Racing having been named as the first team that will run on the fuel this year.

Consumer E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Cellulosic ethanol is produced from biomass such as wood waste, switchgrass or citrus.

"This is a groundbreaking achievement not only in motorsports, but also in the drive to relevant fuel technologies," Scott Atherton, president and CEO of the American Le Mans Series said. "The American Le Mans Series was recently recognised by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency as the only motorsports entity to meet the criteria for 'green racing.'

“Introducing cellulosic E85 racing ethanol to our series with one of our most noted championship teams does nothing but reinforce our commitment to be the global leader in green racing."

Corvette Racing are set to be joined by the Drayson-Barwell GT2 team in running on E85 in a move that excites the ethanol industry.

"This is an exciting time for the ethanol industry," Reece Nanfito, senior director of marketing for the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council said. "Consumers want more choices at the pump, and although challenges remain, cellulosic ethanol is no longer a dream, but a reality."