Green Grand Prix coming to New York next week with a wood-burning SUV

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One of the 2007 Green Grand Prix entries.

Here's a race we'd like to watch. The fourth annual Green Grand Prix is coming to Watkins Glen in upstate New York in a week and a half (May 3rd). While there are some podracer-like entries (e.g., the photo above), the bulk of the vehicles are standard-looking but powered by an alternative fuel source: we're talking biodiesel, pure EVs, LP, CNG, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell cars, a wood-powered SUV and a vegetable oil-powered car. The Green Grand Prix is also the only official SCCA Time-Speed-Distance Road Rally for alternate fueled vehicles and hybrids in the United States.

The road rally takes place over 60 miles (at legal highway speeds) and was created by Bob Gillespie. A fan of hybrids, Gillespie said in a statement he just wanted to "give people a first hand look at alternative personal transportation. This year's event will be even bigger than the last, as more and more people realize the multiple benefits of green power." The race portion will take place at the Racing Research Center. There will also be a presentation from the Cornell University X-Prize Team. Learn more about the Green Grand Prix here and read the release after the jump.



Press Release:

Juice Energy Inc. announces sponsorship of fourth annual Green Grand Prix

With the world's most efficient Hybrids and Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFV) set to compete over scenic roads in upstate New York, all attention will be on the limitless possibilities of green power – making first year sponsor Juice Energy a natural fit.

Juice – a New York based electricity supplier with a focus on renewable sources – is eager to share its methodologies with the businesses and potential partners on hand for the Green Grand Prix. Juice's unique approach can help clients manage their carbon emissions, while also delivering electricity at the lowest possible rates. Through the use of sophisticated analytics and customized strategies, Juice can shield their clients from the wild swings in the price of electricity, potentially saving significant sums of money in the process.

The 60-mile Green Grand Prix is the creation of artist -- and fellow hybrid owner -- Bob Gillespie, and is the only official SCCA Time-Speed-Distance road rally for AFV's and hybrids in the U.S. "We created this event four years ago to give people a first hand look at alternative personal transportation. This year's event will be even bigger than the last, as more and more people realize the multiple benefits of green power," said Gillespie.

In addition to the road rally itself, there will be a "green" vehicle and sustainable energy display, a Speaker Forum, where Juice Energy's Environmental Director, Tim Treadwell, will speak on renewable energy markets, and a gallery of entries from a student AFV design contest that is currently running in many schools across the country.

Juice co-founder and President Brian Hayduk says his company is the perfect partner for the Green Grand Prix: "We share a lot in common with the goals of Bob Gillespie in that we're both working to promote renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Through events such as this we can really focus on promoting awareness of the benefits of going green. We strive to show our clients that they can effectively offset their carbon footprint while at the same time save a significant amount of money."

Juice's involvement with the Green Grand Prix comes on the heels of their announced partnership with the legendary Watkins Glen International raceway. 'The Glen' has become one of the first tracks worldwide to adopt green initiatives.

About Juice Energy Inc.:

Juice is a revolutionary energy company working solely on behalf of their clients. Operating in deregulated markets, Juice tailors rate structures and products to improve clients' financial performance and carbon footprint. Juice brings energy portfolio management, transparency and new accountability measures, for the highest return at the lowest cost. www.aboutjuice.com

About the Green Grand Prix:

Thefourth annual Green Grand Prix will again be hosted by the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, NY and the Glen Region of the Sports Car Club of America. This unique event is the ONLY official SCCA Time-Speed-Distance Road Rally for alternate fueled vehicles and hybrids in the United States. It will be held at Watkins Glen, NY the home of American Road racing on May 3rd. The Green Grand Prix features the Doris Bovee Memorial Road Rally for Hybrid and Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFV) held on a 60-mile course around scenic roads overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. The road rally will bring together Hybrid and AFV owners for a fun and exciting educational event emphasizing energy independence and a cleaner environment. Proceeds from the event will be donated to The International Motor Racing Research Library, a registered non-profit educational organization. http://www.greengrandprix.com/index.htm

[Source: Juice Energy Inc.]

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