June 18, 2011 Economy Run in Montreal

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by euromodder

Excellent job, Mike
Winning an eco-rally in an ancient gasser against a diesel Smart is no mean feat.

What happened to that Diesel Smart BTW, they're like 25% over their rated fuel economy ?
If the Smart gasser had driven the diesel Smart, he'd probably have beaten you though.

I didn't realize one of them was a diesel. I didn't even know that a diesel was available in that car. I agree, driven correctly the diesel Smart would have beaten me.

Mike

[blownb310]

Here are the raw fuel economy results converted to mpg:

1977 Datsun B210 60.40 mpg
2005 Smart [diesel] 56.81 mpg
2010 Smart [gas] 58.94 mpg
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid 53.45 mpg
1999 Toyota Tercel 52.38 mpg
2001 Toyota Echo 51.80 mpg
2011 Hyundai Elantra 43.23 mpg
1992 Toyota Levin GT-Apex 41.85 mpg
1985 Toyota MR2 30.37 mpg
2007 Suzuki SX4 AWD 31.44 mpg

[blownb310]

I had another wonderful weekend in Montreal again this year. Many thanks to organizer Jeff Dungen for his excellent organization of this event, and for putting me [and even my B210] up in his apartment while in town. Jeff parked his rare Toyota Levin on the city street for the night and let my B210 have his safe underground parking spot! Plus, he lined me up with my navigator, the SMCC club president, David Wood. Talk about rolling out the red carpet!

There was a nice field of cars and the competition was close. I did not bother with any aerodynamics this time, short of the plexi grill blocks. No belly pan, no spolier, no moon discs, and all of the mirrors and wipers in place. I even left my wider 70 series tires on for the good handling that was needed for the very challenging course. I knew from last year that this 123 mile twisty mountainous course was not as much about aero as it was about hypermiling driving techniques.



The man wearing the striped shirt and shorts is Robin Edwardes. He has been rallying for 60+ years. I had the pleasure of dining with him and his navigator for this event Harold Forester [wearing the yellow ball cap]. Robin is a well known rally navigator [he sat next to John Buffum years ago] is a veteran of economy Run events in 1950's and 60's and has won many of them in old English cars like Hillmans. He drove the silver 2011 Hyundai Elantra in this event. What a fun and interesting guy to talk to!


William Morin's Tercel did really well, even with two passengers on board.


Does anyone know which Smart was the diesel powered one, black or silver?


CigaR007's 2001 Toyota Echo. It was great to meet you Mauricio!






This is the event organizer Jeff Dungen. We owe it all to this guy! Thank you Jeff.

We all dined together at a local bar-b-q restaurant and had a great meal together socializing. The SMCC is a great bunch and we are fortunate that they sponsor such a unique, challenging, and fun event.

Mike

[tercelguy]

Thank you Jeff, the rally was really fun, i'm definitely in for next year.

I was really pleased with my results, I didn't know that my little tercel could be that efficient, evend with 2 passengers and windows half-way down for almost the whole trip.

[nerdboy]

Thanks for the kind words Mike! It's always a pleasure to have you visit.

The grey Smart is diesel powered, and the pimped up Lambo-door Brabus 35-profile-tire edition has a 999cc gas engine.

Still no news from the Civic Hybrid. They disappeared between the last route control and the service station! Would have been great to include their results.

The gas 2011 Civic won the L/100km/tonne category now that the Elantra's weight has been corrected.

I was wondering how my economy has gradually degraded from event to event: 4.6L/100km at the AMEC event, 5.2L/100km at the 2010 SMCC event and now 5.6L/100km. Just had my alignment corrected today and ouch, I think that may have been a factor. Also, I think I was a bit too aggressive in the "pulse" part of pulse and coast this time around.

If you can read French, the ClubSmart guys are generating a lot of discussion on this thread.

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by nerdboy

If you can read French, the ClubSmart guys are generating a lot of discussion on this thread.

Thanks Jeff. It's easy to read even if you don't speak French by using Google Translater. Team Smart seems really competitive and can't wait until next year! I better bring my AA game then.

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

I've been striking out on my ability to make it to FE events this year. Such is life I guess. Mike, are you planning on a summer AMEC FE run this year?

Will, just a quick update. There will be another northeastern economy run rally coming up later this summer after all. I'll start a new thread with details as soon as the date is hammered out. A co-worker of mine is laying out a course and it will likley be run just over the NY border in Williamstown, MA. Stay tuned my friend.

Mike

[Wonderboy]

Yes! Say the weekend of Aug 13th. Just say it.

[blownb310]

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

Yes! Say the weekend of Aug 13th. Just say it.

That's sounds bit sooner than planned but I'll put a word in for you.

Looks like I may be a Metro owner in two weeks. I'll have to see if it is road worthy when it arrives. If it isn't, I'll try to make it so in time for this event.

Mike

[JethroBodine]

I'm in! As long as it's not the same weekend that my Nephew is getting lynched...I mean hitched. Been practicing all summer and ready to go.