It looks like the whole "tape up the grilles" part of the Vegas-L.A. competition was sparked by the Popular Mechanics competitor, who "researched" the topic on MirageForum:
Quote:
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I planned to tape off the entire lower grille of the Mirage (a strategy my competitors were able to copy at the last minute after procuring some painter's tape). In the end, I left some of the lower grille open to prevent overheating. Based on anecdotal testimony from a Mirage owner's message board, I was sure the tiny air duct just below the hood would be enough to keep the car cool
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Source:
What I Learned from Losing an MPG Contest - Popular Mechanics
One of our members has been driving his Mirage with a fully blocked lower grille all winter. I can't think of who else the Pop Mech writer could he have been referring to.
From:
Ecomodding, winter/ghetto edition! (big Mirage grille block)