Biodiesel sponsor for Earthrace Record Bid

by Media Services on 23 Oct 2006 America's Better Biodiesel Inc today announced it has agreed to be the exclusive provider of biodiesel fuel to the Earthrace powerboat in its bid to set a new world record for circumnavigation.

Earthrace is a 78-foot New Zealand built trimaran powerboat that -- powered solely by Better Biodiesel’s biodiesel fuel -- will strive to circumnavigate the globe in a record 65 days. With the race slated for next year, its itinerary includes an 18-month educational tour now underway calling at 60 of the world’s great cities to highlight alternative fuels while raising awareness about sustainable resources and the environment.

Biodiesel fuel is made from plant matter and animal fats, is biodegradable and produces lower emissions than petrol diesel. By providing its 100 percent pure biodiesel, Better Biodiesel, Inc., and its production technology, will share the world stage with Earthrace -- while a global economy struggles with an oil market characterized by high prices, geopolitical instability and eco-toxicity.

In addition to a Better Biodiesel logo on the boat, Earthrace has agreed to actively promote the Company’s sponsorship, biodiesel fuel, and production technology in their educational and publicity activities.

The Earthrace will be the highest profile powerboat in the world, as well as one of the greenest with environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emission engines and hi-tech hull design. Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat challenges and, at 24,000 nautical miles, is also the world's longest race.

The current record of 75 days was set by British boat Cable & Wireless back in 1998. The Earthrace goal of smashing this record will mark the first time in history that an official U.I.M. Powerboat record will be challenged using renewable fuel.

'Earthrace’s fundamental purpose is to demonstrate to a world weary of oil dependence that bio-fuels are synonymous with performance, power and leading edge-technology, and this makes Better Biodiesel our ideal fuel partner,' said Earthrace Captain Pete Bethune. 'The Earthrace team is delighted that we’ll be powered ‘round the world by fuel produced with technology as revolutionary as the boat itself.'

'Better Biodiesel shares a kindred spirit with the Earthrace team,' said Ron Crafts, Better Biodiesel Chairman and CEO. 'With our technology, Better Biodiesel is an innovator; aiming to disrupt the alternative fuel market with proprietary biodiesel production technology that we believe will set new world records for dramatically lowering the cost, production time and environmental footprint of biofuel manufacturing.'

'We are pleased to participate in this important voyage, and wish Pete and his crew a safe and successful trip in their record bid,' Crafts added.