Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar #78 on the Streets in Baltimore

Photos posted online: http://www.flickr.com/photos/entergynuclear
http://www.flickr.com/photos/entergynuclear/sets/72157629409260213/

Jackson, Miss. – The Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar entered its second year on the IZOD international racing series in an announcement that took place on the downtown streets of the Baltimore Grand Prix. It signaled an effort to broadly educate Americans and others globally about the benefits of nuclear electricity.

“We are proud to lead this effort with nuclear partners who understand the importance of this basic industry need: It is our job to educate others that nuclear is a clean, safe technology critical for an affordable and dependable electricity supply,” stated John Herron, President, CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer for Entergy Nuclear.

“Not only do we want to build understanding for nuclear energy, we are promoting great careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Our workforce welcomes young talent in these areas.”

Entergy is the second largest producer of nuclear electricity in the U.S. and sponsor for the Nuclear Clean Air Energy national education initiative. Other nuclear industry partners include AREVA, HOLTEC, Rev 1 and Wachs Technical Services. The goal of the initiative is to broaden awareness of the benefits of safe, clean, affordable and reliable nuclear energy. The #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar brings national and global visibility to the initiative. Other elements of the educational effort includes Power Path, a curriculum for middle and high schools; promotion of educational events during National Nuclear Science Week; and relationships with national organizations that promote science careers.

“Normally, I get a lot of questions about racing. Now, I also get asked about nuclear energy,” stated Simona De Silvestro, driver of the #78 IndyCar and the 2010 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. “During my latest tour of a nuclear plant, I stood next to a spent fuel pool. That was cool and I learned so much from employees there. I feel good talking to others about the benefits of nuclear electricity.” De Silvestro toured Entergy’s Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in December 2011.

IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard noted that he is looking forward to the 2012 season with new chassis designs and engines on the IZOD IndyCar Series. Representatives from the Living Classrooms Foundation were also present at the event to acknowledge the successful efforts of the race team and partners in raising funds for the foundation educational initiatives in the Baltimore-Washington area.

There are 20 race teams representing 27 drivers and the Nuclear Clean Air Energy team is unique in that it posts an educational message on the side of the car rather than the sponsor or a product.

“About 20 percent of Americans are fans of IndyCar racing. By putting this fact on the side of the car - Nuclear Clean Air Energy - we reached more than 1.5 million trackside and over 400 million TV viewers in the U.S., with 30 billion internet impressions for the IndyCar Series globally. We are building visibility while working together with industry partners and other voices like the National Science Teachers Association to educate,” said Herron.

In March De Silvestro is slated to appear as a “Science Rock Star” during the 2012 Annual Conference for NSTA where approximately 12,000 science teachers are gathering.

The IZOD IndyCar Series opens its 2012 race season on March 23 in St. Petersburg, Fla. The complete schedule is online at www.IndyCar.com.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

-30-
NuclearCleanAirEnergy.com; Entergy-Nuclear.com
Twitter: @EntergyNculear, @NuclearCleanAir, @EntergyMedia