‘Bachelor’ star Chris Soules: ‘Great to be back here in Iowa’

Star from Season 19 of “The Bachelor,” contestant on “Dancing With The Stars” and Iowa native Chris Soules appeared at Iowa Speedway Friday and was the grand marshal for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series American Ethanol 200.

Before delivering those famous words in NASCAR of “Drivers, start your engines,” Soules made his way around the stadium, took pictures with fans and appeared in a press conference prior to Friday night’s race.

Soules grew up on a farm in Arlington, Iowa and has become a fan of the sport and a fan of Iowa Speedway in the last couple of years.

“It’s cool to have something like this in Iowa and it’s neat to have something that gets national recognition,” Soules said. “NASCAR is a great sport and it’s exciting to have this kind of buzz going on throughout the summer. It adds to our economy, it’s a beautiful track and it’s fun to come here. It’s a great thing for the State of Iowa.”

Soules was on the panel of a 2 p.m. press conference when Syngenta announced it would donate approximately $600,000 to the Prime the Pump Fund – an ethanol industry initiative created to reduce initial investment in infrastructure for early retail adopters of high-level ethanol blends.

A check of $225,000 was given to the fund based on the Enogen acres planted in 2015. Syngenta’s commitment to donate $1 to the ethanol industry for every acre planted with Enogen corn enzyme technology initiated two years ago and will continue through 2016. As an Iowa farmer, Soules spoke about the importance of renewable fuels.

“I’ve experienced first hand what that type of value that can add to our operation,” he said. “It’s an exciting point in my life to speak about something I’m passionate about and I think it’s a great opportunity for us to raise awareness to a demographic that we’ve had a hard time connecting with. Those are the people who have been watching me on TV the last year and a half.”

He referred to himself as just a farm boy from northeast Iowa and said his unique platform as a somewhat famous farmer will hopefully help raise awareness for ethanol.

“As you know, I’ve had crazy life experiences in the last couple years and it’s great to be back here in Iowa,” he said.

Soules took on his grand marshal duty and instructed the drivers to start their engines shortly after 7:30 p.m.

He said he was going to head back home following the race to work on the farm and spend Father’s Day weekend with family.

“I really just enjoy coming to the races and it’s exciting to watch those guys go around. It’s an impressive sport with the horsepower that’s out there,” Soules said. “It’s a neat environment to come and be with fellow Iowans, have a few beers and enjoy the race.”

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com