Jimmy Kite, replacement driver of the No. 91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing Dallara/Toyota/Firestone entry in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, today qualified for the 89th Indianapolis 500 during the Third Day Qualifying session.

Kite, substituting for injured rookie driver, Paul Dana, qualified at 218.565 mph. The Ethanol Hemelgarn team will be starting the Indianapolis 500 from the last row. Kite last qualified for the Indianapolis 500 in 2003 when he started 32nd and finished 13th, the most improved position in the entire field. He also qualified for the race in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

“It is great to be back in the field at the Indianapolis 500 with the Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing Team. Unfortunately we are in the back of the field, but I have been there before and I know what it takes to move up in the pack. We have a good race day car and know we will be competitive throughout the day. We are a day ahead of schedule by qualifying today, so tomorrow it will be good to get out there with full tanks of gas and just relax.”

“Just want to thank Ethanol, Remy, Life Fitness and Hemelgarn Racing for giving me this opportunity. It is a real honor to be asked to drive in Indy and I will do my best to make everyone associated with Team Ethanol proud.”

Kite is currently in his rookie season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and, for the last three years, has competed in the United States Auto Club (USAC) Silver Crown Series.

Dana, who was injured in practice on May 13, was trackside as the No. 91 Ethanol Hemelegarn Racing Dallara/Toyota/Firestone qualified.

“I am very excited for Jimmy and the rest of the Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing Team. I wish it were me out there today qualifying, but I have total confidence in Jimmy and the team to compete next weekend. I am just happy that I am able to walk and be at the track to support the team.”

Practice continues tomorrow morning. The race itself is Sunday, May 29 1:00 PM Eastern and is televised live on ABC Sports.

Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing is backed by a group of companies within the fast-growing ethanol industry, led by the major ethanol design-build firms Fagen Inc., ICM Inc., and Broin Companies. Ethanol is a high octane, high performance fuel that is clean burning, renewable and made in America. As a growing component of the United States' gasoline supply, it delivers improved vehicle performance while reducing emissions and improving air quality. The IndyCar Series has announced that it will switch to ethanol as its fuel source beginning with a 10% blend in 2006 and moving to 100% fuel-grade ethanol in 2007.

The team’s 2005 roster of supporting partners under the ethanol banner is being finalized and will be announced later this week.

Remy International, Inc. and Life Fitness are associate sponsors for the #91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing entry. Remy International, Inc. is headquartered in Anderson, Ind. (USA). The company designs, manufactures, remanufactures and distributes electrical, powertrain and related components and provides core exchange services for automobiles and light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other heavy-duty, off-road and industrial applications. Products include starter motors, alternators, engines, fuel systems and hybrid drive systems. The company serves the aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer market, principally in North America, as well as Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Additional information is available at www.remyinc.com.

Life Fitness invents, manufactures and delivers the world's most advanced fitness equipment to both commercial and home markets. They are the global leader in providing industry-tailored solutions to world-class fitness facilities and training centers. Their industry leadership transcends three decades and includes some of the most celebrated advancements in the history of fitness. Additional information is available at www.lifefitness.com.

Josh Weissman, The GEM Group, 310-770-9076