Calendar of Hybrid/Insight Events?

Artric · 05-16-2010, 11:45 PM

I was just curious if there was a calendar of events anywhere. I'd like to plan ahead to make some long trips.

If there aren't any calendars available - please post up anything you know about here!

RobertSmalls · 05-17-2010, 09:17 AM

Hybridfest / Green Drive Expo, Madison WI, July 16-18. Last year there were 36 drivers in the MPG challenge on Friday, and exhibits on Saturday and Sunday. It looks like lots of hybrid owners from the northeast and midwest showed up. Maybe I'll make it this year.

**MN Driver** · 05-17-2010, 11:20 AM

I recently searched to see if anyone mentioned the Madison Green Drive Expo (Hybridfest) and it looks like last year nobody mentioned it until the event got close. I'm going to go this year, I'll get a chance to meet a whole bunch of people from here.

Artric · 05-17-2010, 07:13 PM

Do you know if MIMA changes your class, or if you compete against stock Insights?

How can I find more information such as if there is a required time to finish, what the course is like, any rules, etc? EDIT: A good amount of info is here: http://www.greendriveexpo.com/mpg-challenge

If I can pull 100+ without MIMA, I'm considering doing my best to own the competition if I can make it up there!

I'm not very good at going fast (didn't do so well in my S2000 at a recent Auto-X), so I decided that I'm better going slow (high MPGs). We'll see if that's true.

Another EDIT: Registration looks a bit pricey. $75 is more than I'd pay in gas to get up there from FL. And $15 for a sandwich and a cookie? Umm...?

jkbrushaber · 05-17-2010, 10:34 PM

It's a great event, but I agree that the entry fee is excessive. The main attraction is the people and their cars that attend. They should actually pay you to show up! I live very close, and participated last year. I will attend this year, but am not going to give them my $75 for the pleasure. I'll just be a visitor.

To get the full experience, you'd have to spend another $100 for the meals, plus $100's for the hotel. NO THANKS.

Again, it is a nice event, and I encourage everyone to consider participating to whatever level ($) they feel they want. I would be glad to help anyone find cheaper lodging (camping?) in the area. Just PM me and I will do whatever I can. I would love to me meet any of you great Insight enthusiasts this summer.

Sincerely, Kevin

Artric · 05-18-2010, 01:05 AM

Maybe I'll make it up and lap around their track a few times and declare myself the unofficial winner (cause I'll be the only one competing in my imaginary race)!

I'm glad to hear that you guys agree about the fees. I tend to be cheap and hate to see people complain about it when they love to waste their money.

RobertSmalls · 05-18-2010, 10:59 AM

If I'm going to spend all day driving to Wisconsin, I'm going to make it worth my while. I suppose $75 for the first-place trophy and a t-shirt is pretty steep, but I'll pay it. I'll also camp out a few days and see if Madison is as bicycle-friendly as they say it is. But I agree with you on the price of the food. It'll be home-cooked meals for me.

Artric · 05-18-2010, 12:17 PM

Pretty confident on winning that trophy, huh?

What kind of MPG numbers are you pulling? (Please forgive if you've reported elsewhere and I've forgotten).

jkbrushaber · 05-18-2010, 08:36 PM

Best of luck to you Robert on your trophy hunt. I'll bet you a gallon of gas that you don't win. Some of the best hypermilers show up at this event, and they throw down serious numbers. Last year I believe the winner had about 125mpg. The weather was very cold, a little windy, and we had heavy rain rolling through on and off. I wonder what he would have gotten on a nice warm day??? I think I got the 3rd highest mpg, but gotten beaten out in % over EPA by a CVT Insight. So 4th place and no trophy for me! It was a very interesting and nerve-racking ride.

If you have any questions about Madison or your visit, let me know. I look forward to meeting you, and maybe even handing over the gallon.

Best of luck.

Kevin

RobertSmalls · 05-18-2010, 11:06 PM

60mpg this winter, which is almost three times what I got last winter.

87.6 mpg at the Green Grand Prix earlier this month, in cold and very windy weather. I've made a few small aeromods since then, and learned that P&G saves a small amount of gas over lean burn, even on flat land.

So, no, I'm not ready to take the trophy now. But the weather's getting warmer, which makes me want to break out the fiberglass and resin... and we'll see what that gets me.