The Great Race 2008: MPG Challenge
The MPG Challenge is a new competition series featuring alternative technology automobiles. Beginning with production hybrid electric cars, The Great Race MPG Challenge is designed to demonstrate that the adoption of new automotive technologies along with improving driving behavior can have a positive environmental impact.
Organized by Great Race Sports, Inc. and Hybridfest, Inc., the nation’s largest Hybrid car festival, the MPG Challenge series will kick off with The Great Race 2008: New York to Paris.
The Great Race celebrates the 100th anniversary of one of the most remarkable automotive events of the 20th century, an automobile race nearly around the world, from New York to Paris.
In a 65-day celebration of the automobile, The Great Race will showcase innovative automotive solutions, much like the participants did 100 years ago. Reaching over 180 markets, the Great Race is a unique multi-platform, multi-media series of live events.
The Great Race will:
- Travel through 13 countries on three continents
- Visit over 180 North American, Chinese and European cities
- Host a series of promoted, live events
- Reach over 1 billion people via media, broadcast and live events
When: May 30 – August 2nd, 2008
Where: Beginning in New York City, the MPG Challenge will travel through Saratoga Springs and Buffalo, New York, before traveling to Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, Canada. From there the cars will be flown to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China for the trek westward to Paris. Stops also include Xi’an, China; Moscow, Russia; Warsaw, Poland; Berlin, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Zurich, Switzerland and Paris, France.
GREAT RACE NORTH AMERICA MPG CHALLENGE: Teams may also field their own production hybrid vehicle in the Great Race North America MPG Challenge, a 4,000 mile competition from New York to Vancouver. Great Race North America is the first stage of next summer’s around the world race and will run parallel to the New York to Paris event.
Registration Form
MPG Challenge competition
Driving hybrid cars, teams must attempt to achieve the best fuel economy in a 22,000-mile (35,000 km), rally race from New York to Paris. The MPG Challenge will follow Great Race’s regularity-style road rally competition so that the participants can legally, and safely travel the public highways while simulating real-world driving conditions that create fuel efficiency results relevant to today’s drivers and car owners.
Competitors will be required to observe the traffic regulations of each country, while following the route and prescribed speeds. The winner will be the team with the highest average MPG while completing the most days’ of rally competition.
Up to ten (10) teams will be selected and each will be provided a hybrid vehicle. One common vehicle will be used. The vehicles will visually remain close to stock to maintain a meaningful identity and connection to consumers. Bold, colorful graphics will be added to enhance visual impact.
About Hybridfest, Inc.
Hybridfest Inc is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers that organizes the annual Hybridfest event, “A Hybrid Electric Car Show And More” in Madison, Wisconsin. Hybridfest promotes awareness and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles as well as other fuel-efficient transportation solutions and their environmental impact.
