Green Grand Prix Moving To Legendary Watkins Glen International In 2011

WATKINS GLEN, NY – Drivers of traditional gasoline vehicles, hybrids, diesel-powered as well as alternate fuel vehicles will have two unique opportunities to test their mettle at the 2011 Green Grand Prix on Friday, April 15.

Organizers are cranking up the challenges and excitement this year by taking the Green Grand Prix to the famed road course of Watkins Glen International.

Watkins Glen, Mar. 4, 2011: “The Green Grand Prix Committee is proud to be partnering with WGI for this exciting event geared towards efficiency and sustainability. It’s a showcase of technology that points towards a cleaner environment,” said 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, now in its seventh year, promotes the growth of clean and sustainable innovation in the Northeast.

“As the chairperson of the Green Initiative Committee for our parent company, International Speedway Corporation, I am thrilled that we are hosting this great event,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International. “The Glen has made a strong commitment to being green with initiatives such as our extensive recycling program, so it only makes sense to host the Green Grand Prix, which promotes and displays alternative-fueled vehicles. This is a great way to kick-off our Opening Weekend before fans hit our famous twists and turns in their own vehicles on Saturday and Sunday.”

Drivers of vehicles of all fuel types are invited to enter one of two fuel economy events that will be run on the WGI 2.45-mile short course. The time-speed-distance rallies, listing 10 classes of cars, will be organized and sponsored by the Glen Region of the Sports Car Club of America.

The daylong event, for which admission will be free, also will feature a NYElectrathon race in the afternoon. Displays about sustainable energy and the environment will be set up through the day, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The on-track road rallies are open to anyone, and organizers expect vehicles including a variety of gasoline and hybrid models, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen fuel cell cars and vehicles running on biodiesel, diesel, flex-fuel and pure electric. Organizers also expect many other interesting alternate-fueled vehicles such as those powered by vegetable oil, as well as by LP and compressed natural gas.

Universities and high schools with automobile technology programs are encouraged to bring their project cars.

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.

The Doris Bovee Memorial Road Rallies are the only official SCCA road rallies of their kind in the nation. Both rallies will be conducted at highway speeds over the challenging topography of the WGI track, which has hosted competitive racing events since 1957.

“This year’s rallies will offer competitors the opportunity to establish fuel economy records in various categories on this world famous racing venue,” said Gillespie.

Entries in the rallies may be submitted through the Green Grand Prix website at www.greengrandprix.com.

The rallies honor the memory of well-known area environmentalist Doris Bovee, who taught for many years in the Corning-Painted Post (NY) school district and was known for her love of plants and birds. She also was involved with SCCA road rallies and was part of the Glen Region SCCA at its inception.