The E85 ethanol-powered C6.R run by Corvette Racing in the 2008 American Le Mans Series marries horsepower and greenpower.

A new conference is being held to address how the high-performance motorsports business is connecting with today’s advancements in green automotive applications.

“The Race Goes Green” is a one-day business event taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center on the opening day of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, Thursday, April 16, 2009. Industry leaders will reveal new technologies that are making it possible for today’s race cars and other high-performance vehicles to be more fuel- and energy-efficient.

“The event is about how today’s cars and trucks can be both ‘cool’ and ‘green’,” said John Waraniak, SEMA vice president of vehicle technology. “Through new vehicle technology and advanced engineering, horsepower and green power are able to coexist.”

Waraniak is among the featured presenters of the conference. He will be joined by SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting; AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson; Pete Spence, group vice president technical director, Toyota Racing Development USA; Don Taylor from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA); Herb Fishel, former GM Motorsports executive; and others.

“Participants will leave with a good understanding of what green vehicle technologies exist and the emerging business opportunities this presents,” said Waraniak. “Equally important is the opportunity that attendees will have to meet and network with senior executives and decision makers from major automakers and motorsports companies.”

The conference is presented by SEMA and the Motorsports Industry Association (MIA). Both organizations represent companies in the motorsports industry and seek to provide members with timely and relevant news to help their businesses grow and succeed.

To learn more about the event or to register, visit the Motorsports Industry Association.