Do any of you know about the annual Great Race? It used to be just for vintage cars, muscle cars, etc competing for cash prizes, but things have changed. There is now a division for alternative fuel and new technology cars, including hybrids. The purse is $25,000. If there was a fuel efficiency component tied to the rally competition, would anyone be interested in competing? What are your thoughts?

Hi,
I like the timing / speed requirement. The goal is to complete each segment right on the numbers. IMHO, a Camry hybrid would be an excellent ride equiped with multiple GPS systems and computer maps, it would be an excellent competitor.

Although some sort of fuel efficiency componet would be nice, it would be difficult to figure out a fair set of rules. Otherwise it becomes a race of two-seat Insights. For now, it is enough to be an endurance test, which all of our hybrids would be excellent competition.

I did notice the rule for an "external switch" to disconnect the batteries. All of our hybrids would require a modification to implement the "external switch" even though I suspect it can be as simple as a lanyard.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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for 25 thou I would pin my hybrid to 112 and hope nothing melts.

Uh... putting 4,000 miles on my car in 2 weeks? It would be worth it if I won, I could buy a new car. But I probably wouldn't win, plus there is a minimum fee of $6,000. No thanks.

Most likely would not win. Ok. I'm not doing it either. It was fun while it lasted though.

The rules state you lose one point for every second deviated from the route timing and the average speed will be "5 miles per hour below the posted speed limit." They also mention "55 miles per hour" often. These are excellent speed ranges for our hybrids, including my NHW11 03 Prius.

I think the only thing that makes sense would be some points advantage based upon the "fuel cost" for the race. This would let our bio-diesel and E85 friends have a fair chance and the prizes. It is not just the fuel efficiency but also the fuel costs that are important.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.