Last week's Open Test on a modified Daytona International Speedway road course was the first opportunity for the full IndyCar Series field to use the 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in its 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine, which will power the series in 2007.  The 17 drivers and teams who participated in the two days of the first testing of '07 recorded almost 1,700 laps on the 10-turn, 2.72-mile road course with no major issues.  "I really didn't notice any difference at all, which I think is the point," 2005 IndyCar Series champion Dan Wheldon said.  "It's better for the environment, fuel efficient and hasn't affected engine performance."

Tony Kanaan

The IndyCar Series is the first and only in motorsports to run on a renewable fuel. Andretti Green Racing's Dario Franchitti noted the absence of fumes, which in the past bothered his eyes while a few drivers noticed a different, but familiar, smell while running in traffic.  "I think it smelled like popcorn," joked A.J. Foyt Racing's Darren Manning.

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