X Prize Cars, Electrathon Teams Part Of Green Grand Prix At Watkins Glen International

WATKINS GLEN, March, 20, 2011: Automotive X Prize teams from New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Indiana will compete at the 7th Annual Green Grand Prix Friday, April 15, at Watkins Glen International.

Two of the vehicles are educational entries from Cornell University and West Philadelphia High School.

The X Prize cars will be entered in one of two fuel economy rallies that will be run on the WGI’s famed 2.45-mile short course.

The morning rallies are part of a daylong schedule of events, which includes competition among Electrathon teams from high school in several states.

“There are many aspects to this unique event,” said Bob Gillespie, chairman of the Green Grand Prix Committee, which is a function of the International Motor Racing Research Center at Watkins Glen.

“The Green Grand Prix is all about efficient auto technologies and fuels, energy management and eco-driving styles. The Green Grand Prix Committee is proud to be partnering with WGI this year,” Gillespie said.

The April 15 event kicks off Watkins Glen International’s opening weekend activities on April 16 and 17. Admission to the Green Grand Prix is free, and the gates will open at 8 a.m. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Gillespie said it is most appropriate that the Green Grand Prix will be welcoming X Prize cars.

The Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize competition, with a $10 million purse, was launched in 2008 to inspire a new generation of viable, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles capable of achieving 100 miles per gallon or the energy equivalent. The three winning teams were announced last September.

The entries participating in the Green Grand Prix were among an original field of 111 competing teams, representing 136 vehicle entries from around the world.

The X Prize cars will be in the line-ups of the fuel economy time-speed-distance rallies. The morning rallies, listing 10 classes of cars, will be organized and sponsored by the Glen Region of the Sports Car Club of America.

Entries will include diesel and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrid models, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell cars and vehicles running on biodiesel, flex-fuel and pure electric. Additionally, organizers expect vehicles powered by vegetable oil, LP and compressed natural gas. Colleges and high schools with automobile technology programs are encouraged to bring their project cars.

The rallies are open to any vehicle, and registrations will be taken online through April 10 at the Green Grand Prix website at www.greengrandprix.com. The entry fees for the rallies are $75 for a private entry and $150 for a business entry.

No walk-in registrations will be taken.

The afternoon Electrathon races feature single-person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high-efficiency electric vehicles. They have three or four wheels and are powered by gel cell battery packs not exceeding 67 pounds. They usually weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.

They may be built from a kit or from scratch. They must have brakes, and drivers must use a five-point racing harness.

Electrathon racing has been around for many years and is a relatively low-cost way for high school students to learn about the following concepts: science, especially physics; applying mathematical concepts; engineering principles; research and development; problem solving skills; energy and environmental impacts; graphic design; electronics; fabrication; communication skills; writing skills; fundraising; managing finances; and community partnerships.

All Green Grand Prix activities are designed to bring together a diverse mix of vehicles and their owners, businesses promoting renewable energy and related products, environmental groups, students and faculty members from elementary to university level and the general public.