The very first Green Grand Prix, organised by the RAC, took place at Silverstone last week (Wednesday 12 October, 2011). Competitors drove a range of the latest electric, plug-in hybrid and low emission combustion cars supplied by the likes of Peugeot, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Zytek and Delta in a series of challenges to establish the UK’s most energy efficient driver.
The winner and newly crowned RAC Green Grand Prix Champion was Scott Penny from Woking. Scott, an RAC Member and took part alongside media representatives and RAC colleagues. He was presented with a glass engraved trophy by RAC RAC at Silverstone jpegSponsorship & PR Manager Kerry Gazzard, a pair of tickets to the British Grand Prix 2012 and a ticket to take part in the RAC Future Car Challenge on Saturday, 5 November in the RAC entry vehicle.
It was the first time that Scott had driven an alternative fuel car and he especially enjoyed his experience in the Delta E-4 Coupe- he normally drives a Mazda RX-8.
During the Green Grand Prix, each driver had to drive at 50mph at least twice during a lap; with a maximum speed of 70mph around the Stowe Circuit at Silverstone. Each participant then had sessions on eco driving simulators.
Driving economically is something any driver can do with the right knowledge, as Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield of Green Car Reports explains:"It’s not about the car you’re driving. It’s about your brain. Today has proven that you don’t have to drive like a little old lady in order to be fuel efficient. I’m a journalist and get to drive cars like this all the time, but some of the people here today have never set foot in a so-called eco-car. If someone who has never driven an alternative fuel car before can win the Green Grand Prix, it shows that education can help everyone change their driving and save money and fuel".
The cars taking part in the RAC Green Grand Prix included the Delta E-4 Coupe (EV), Zytek Smart car (EV), Toyota Auris Hybrid (HEV), Toyota Prius (HEV), Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 Diesel (HEV), Peugeot 3008 Exclusive HDi 112 (ICE), Peugeot 508 Active e-HDi 112(ICE) and a Mitsubishi iMiev (EV).
