2010 Green Grand Prix: Saturday May 8, Watkins Glen, NY -pics/results posted

[NeilBlanchard]

I'm home safely; despite the best efforts of a driver merging into my lane while I was just behind them -- I was able to slide over to my left and brake just enough to keep out of any contact, and not causing anything behind me... Sheesh! I laid on the horn, and one of the passengers *looked* at me...

I'll upload some pictures, soon.

[RobertSmalls]

Pictures!

Check out all those grille blocks!

I finally saw three Insights in the same place. I also got to see how Insights look when you're following one on the road: tiny, and with enormous side view mirrors! The taillights being close together exaggerates this effect.



Unfortunately, this is the best pic I have of a high school's solar car. Pretty neat, but naturally not very streetable.


Here's my MPG for the run. I elected to lean burn rather than P&G - you can't do both, because after each prolonged EOC, it won't enter lean burn for a minute or so. I probably only did three miles with the engine off. Yep - this mpg is only 10% better than my best 60mph commutes.

I also ran both of my batteries down during the run. My 12V battery, an Optima D51R, dropped down to 9V after about 60mi, so I had to turn the DC/DC converter back on briefly. The HV battery behaved itself, but didn't really come in to play.

Here's my record-setting MPG for the return trip on the I-90. Winds of 30G59, but it felt worse than that. I had to downshift into 4th and sometimes 3rd to hold my speed. I also had to slow down because my car was being tossed around by the wind.

Worst mpg, ever. Oh, well. It was a good time.

[Christ]

In a couple of those photos, I spy a fedora wearing oddity...

All in all, it was fun to meet fellow, like minded individuals, but I gotta be honest, the turnout could have been better.

It would have been nice to see a few more cars with mods, but it's hard to expect everyone to be interested in these sorts of things, I guess.

A few "newcomers" had some questions about some of the Ecomodder group's line of cars, to which I took the opportunity to plug the site a few times. Hopefully we'll at least gain a few more lurkers, eh?

Best wishes to Ben (I can tell him myself.) on his recovery.

[robbiewt]

Heres a few pictures!

[MetroMPG]

Here's the EM attendance sheet for GGP 2010... (kick me if I forgot you)

Drivers and/or exhibitors

tasdrouille (Jetta TDI)
MetroMPG (Firefly)
blownb310 (Sentra)
Wonderboy (Civic Si)
McTimson (Yaris)
moTthediesel (Porsche)
RobertSmalls (Insight)
NeilBlanchard (Scion xA)
robbiet (Yaris)
brucepick (Civic HX)
Grant-53

Visitors

Christ
Gasoline Fumes


Did I miss anyone?

Also in attendance: assorted friends, spouses & wee ones.

[moTthediesel]

Originally Posted by robbiewt

Heres a few pictures!

Clutch adjustment time. Nice picture of my new sneakers too -- thanks!

Sorry I didn't get to meet more of you guys but we had a ton of problems to overcome as I only had about 100 miles on the new built car and engine before we left home. The drive down was a bit of a nightmare, but at least everything could be fixed on the roadside. The drive home today was uneventful save for the Mothers Day snow --

My thanks to Bob and his crew for putting on such a well organized and fun event. Never having taken part in anything like it before I wasn't sure what to expect, but we had a blast. Our result of 73mpg was really more than I expected too-- but now having done that --- 80+ should be attainable with just a few more mods - right?

[tasdrouille]

It was great meeting you all. I look forward to see you again at future events. I made it home last night after a bit over 8 hours of non stop driving. I think that's pretty much as far as I'm willing to go for weekend events!

Anyone got more pictures?

[Grant-53]

It was worth the trip braving high winds. My faired bicycle survived the trip on the Geo's rear rack but the tool book bolted to the rear rack worked loose. My boys enjoyed the electric cars and the Star Fleet Prius, tribbles and all. I got to compare notes with some of you before the rain came through around 3:30 pm. People were very helpful when my notes flew across the grass. I saw a small electric friction drive motor mounted on the back of a mountain bike. Thanks to all who made the trip.

[brucepick]

It was a great event. I really enjoyed meeting the other drivers and seeing the cars. The solar powered was a real eye catcher. The red Porsche visible in the pics was powered by a VW diesel. There was also a gas/propane powered Mustang with a big V8.

[RobertSmalls]

Grant-53, that was your bicycle? I only caught a glimpse of it, but I'd like to know more about it. Got pics? Speed trials / coastdown tests? Is it stable in the wind?