Automobile Blog

Alternative-fuel vehicles to race around the world in 2008

On the 100th anniversary of the “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908, which proved the viability of the new-fangled automobile by racing from New York to Paris, a reincarnation of the famous event - the “Great Race 2008″ - will see forty teams attempt to cover much of the same route, for a $1 million purse.

Alternative fuel and hybrid powered automobiles are going to compete in the only event of its kind, an around the world rally-race, from New York City, U.S.A., to Paris, France, for a $1-million purse, according to Rally Partners, Inc., the event organizers. “Great Race 2008″ will celebrate the Centennial of the “Greatest Auto Race,” an around the world automobile race held in 1908.

“Great Race 2008″ will start in New York City, U.S.A. on February 12, 100 years to the day after the “Greatest Auto Race” began in the same city, and will race 22,000 miles around the world to Paris, France.

The ultimate adventure in motor sports will feature teams driving vintage automobiles and the latest in automotive technologies, in one race.

“Much like the ‘Greatest Auto Race’ proved the combustion engine a practical solution for motor travel, the Great Race 2008 will test and prove automotive propulsion technologies that will transport the world’s citizens in the 21st century,” said Bill Ewing, CEO, Rally Partners Inc. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the latest automotive technology, while celebrating the early pioneers of the automobile in the same race.”

The forty teams will be equally divided between two classes, vintage automobiles and alternative-fuel vehicles. The latter will be tasked with completing the 22,000 mile rally-race in 80 days. The organizers hope that the event will demonstrate the commercial viability of alternative fuel vehicles in much the same way that the original event helped launch the automobile to commercial success.

The “Greatest Auto Race” of 1908 race was created to prove the commercial viability of a newfound technology, the combustion engine propelled automobile. Great Race 2008 is designed to achieve the same goal; prove the viability of the latest automotive technologies. It will challenge manufacturers and entrepreneurs to create the next generation of automotive travel.

Utilizing Great Race’s unique time and endurance competition, 40 teams - 20 driving the latest in “green” technology and 20 of the world’s finest vintage machines, will set out from New York City, U.S.A., bound for Paris, France in pursuit of $1,000,000 in purse money. After rally racing across America, the cars will ship to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, for a trek across Eurasia to Europe and the City of Light. This ultimate adventure in motor sports will stop at 53 cities and cover more than 14,000 hard-driven miles, sections of it over some of the most desolate landscape on earth.

Utilizing Great Race’s unique time and endurance competition, 40 teams - 20 driving the latest in “green” technology and 20 of the world’s finest vintage machines, will rally race across North America, to San Francisco where the cars will be shipped to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, for a trek across Eurasia to Europe and the City of Lights. This ultimate adventure in motor sports will stop at 53 cities and cover more than 14,000 hard-driven miles, sections of it over some of the most desolate landscape on earth.