Thorntons, Inc., the leading, independent gasoline/convenience-chain retailer in the Midwest, is giving away more than $15,000 in gift cards and coupons for E85 fuel at its E85 locations through a promotion with the Kentucky Corn Growers Association (KyCGA) at the Kentucky State Fair, August 19-29.

According to Growth Energy Market Development, there are more than 92,000 Flexible-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), those that can run on ethanol blends up to 85%, registered in Kentucky. That number is growing as vehicle manufactures continue to provide the engines as standard equipment.

Thorntons is providing the E85 fuel at many of its locations because demand for the clean, domestic fuel has increased. Some FFV owners, however, have not yet tried the fuel or may not even know their vehicle can utilize the higher ethanol blends. The good news is that E85 fuel typically runs 10 to 20 percent cheaper than regular gasoline.

How Can FFV Drivers Get Free E85 Fuel? Thorntons is giving away 100 $5 gift cards each day to anyone who visits the Kentucky Corn Growers' Association booth (Kentucky Corn Shack - located in front of Broadbent Arena). Some lucky gift card recipients will receive either $20 or $100 for their E85 purchase. Gift card recipients must be an owner of a Flex Fuel Vehicle, and the gift cards will only work at any of Thorntons’ E85 fuel dispensers located throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana. Coupon books will be given when the gift cards run out.

KyCGA and Thorntons believed the Kentucky State Fair was a good venue for the promotion to remind fuel users that ethanol is a farm-raised fuel. Most of the ethanol produced in the U.S. is from corn, and corn farmers continue to increase their production through innovative and sustainable farming techniques that ensure enough grain for all food, feed and fuel needs.

KyCGA and Thorntons would also like to thank the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition for their assistance with the promotion.