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For the first time since 1927, a car powered by ethanol hit the track at this year's Indianapolis 500.

"It felt great. It accelerated really fast," said driver Jimmy Kite following the initial practice run.

Kite filled in for the injured Paul Dana who had led the charge to bring ethanol to the sport. While looking for sponsorship for the 2002 season and concerned about America's dependence on foreign oil, Dana placed a cold call to ethanol industry officials. It paid off.

Not only did they sponsor his car, but they backed him in convincing the Indy Racing League to switch to a blend of 10 percent ethanol – 90 percent methanol in 2006 and 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in 2007.

Dana said fans and drivers alike should be convinced of ethanol's capabilities after seeing Kite's run.

"It puts to rest any doubts at all about will it work in the motors. Well you saw the car go 220 miles per hour," he said.

Kite said he felt the fuel performed so well that it gave him an edge on other drivers.

"Everybody's wanting (ethanol)," he said. "We kind of wish we could be the only team to run it."

Caption: A mechanic on the Hemelgram Racing Team works on the first modern ethanol-fueled car to compete in the Indy 500.