JULY 25 - The Renewable Fuels Association and the legendary Kenny Hauk of Hauk Designs are collaborating on a project that highlights the many benefits of using ethanol fuel blends in high-performance off-road vehicles. Fans can watch the Hauk team design and build an RFA flex-fuel Jeep Wrangler JL in a special "Hauk Machines" Amazon Prime video series airing soon. But first, the series kicks off exclusively on RFA's Facebook page the week of August 12. A special preview video debuts on RFA's Facebook page this week as part of a larger social media campaign around this project that will continue for 14 weeks. This and other video content (mini-episodes) from this social media program will be used afterward on Amazon Prime as part of the much more comprehensive "Hauk Machines" second season. During this season of "Hauk Machines," Kenny Hauk and his crew are building two one-of-a-kind vehicles for the popular annual SEMA Show that will take place in November in Las Vegas, including the special Wrangler for RFA. "Our goal was to build the most powerful JL Wrangler ever built that not only functions on road and off, but looks good while doing it," Hauk said. "We have found E85 to be an outstanding fuel option that gives us the power and performance we have been looking for in an economical package." The project is part of RFA's ongoing work to stimulate positive discussions about ethanol and engage with groups who have historically expressed reservations about the use of higher ethanol blends. The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world; last year's show drew more than 70,000 domestic and international buyers. Another element in this work, for example, is RFA's ongoing support for the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail professional fishing series, to spotlight the safety and efficiency of ethanol in boating. "These projects are all about educating different consumer groups in a fun and innovative way," said RFA Vice President for Industry Relations Robert White. "At RFA, we want to push the boundaries to show the potential of ethanol as a fuel for a wide variety of vehicles and demographics, especially when special interests tell us it can't be done. Ethanol is a high-powered fuel that is perfectly suited for off-roading. It also helps keep our air and water clean, something important to off-road enthusiasts and conservationists. Kenny Hauk is the perfect person to help us tell this story and educate off-roaders globally." In a similar project last year, RFA worked with motorcycle designer Paul Teutul Jr., one of the stars of the reality television series "American Chopper" on the Discovery Channel. A 2018 collaboration between RFA and Teutul led to an E85 motorcycle that was featured on "American Chopper" in a project to show that ethanol works well in motorcycles—even up to 85% ethanol when appropriate adjustments are made. That bike has been used to promote ethanol at numerous events and will be once again in the spotlight this summer at the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where RFA has had a presence for more than a decade.
