To make things even more difficult, the organizers had set up five "regularity test" sections. Here, there was no margin for error. These long sections that were often marked by winding dirt roads had to be completed at an average speed of 60 km/h. Again, the starting time dictated the check-in time. But here's the twist: no one knew exactly how long were these sections, nor where the check-in control areas were located. Needless to say the regularity test sections required the utmost timing and precision.
Let's not forget about fuel economy
The main challenge of this rally, of course, was to maximize fuel economy. Drivers had to make sure to control their accelerations and decelerations while remaining smart behind the wheel. So, it was not about solving puzzles or having nerves of steel. No, it was a matter of being able to maintain a steady speed over the longest possible distances.
Here, there were a few surprises. Obviously, Hydro-Québec's Cleanova proved to be as frugal as expected, posting an average of 3.5 L/100 km. The biggest surprise came from the only Honda Insight in competition (sponsored by Honda Alma): its driver managed to achieve a 2.9 L/100 km rating over the entire rally.
Overall, the Priuses got better results, with an average of 4.7 L/100 km. Meanwhile, the most fuel-efficient Honda Civic Hybrid, driven by Bertrand Godin (Team Honda - En route vert l'avenir) delivered a very commendable performance: 5.3 L/100 km.
A one-of-a-kind adventure
My review of this rally doesn't come close to telling the whole story; you have to live it to believe it. There were many setbacks and unexpected twists over these two days. The most determined crews (we were one of them) did not let the weather affect them. They drove with the windows up and the HVAC off during the entire event (despite considerable temperature changes), just to save even more fuel.
There were also numerous turns to anticipate and even a few incorrect directions that, fortunately, were quickly solved with sudden u-turns. Moreover, during one particular section, a number of red lights and road works lead to a 3-minute delay, which meant a penalty of 180 points.
Bertrand Godin did a masterful job in the five regularity test sections, losing only 36 points. He strived to always keep the car in motion, never hesitating to attack corners without using the brakes!
Conclusion
A real challenge or a marketing stunt? Whichever it is, the Laurentian Alternative Energy Rally fulfilled its mission: to generate a spotlight on these green vehicles that are seriously becoming more and more attractive for people who care about the environment.
The winning team, Honda - En route vert l'avenir, got a total of 556 penalty points (340 for fuel economy), while the closest competitors collected 831 points. Regardless of the results, everyone -- even a racecar driver like Bertrand Godin -- learned first-hand that saving fuel means changing your driving habits.
photo:Marc Bouchard
Let's not forget about fuel economy
The main challenge of this rally, of course, was to maximize fuel economy. Drivers had to make sure to control their accelerations and decelerations while remaining smart behind the wheel. So, it was not about solving puzzles or having nerves of steel. No, it was a matter of being able to maintain a steady speed over the longest possible distances.
Here, there were a few surprises. Obviously, Hydro-Québec's Cleanova proved to be as frugal as expected, posting an average of 3.5 L/100 km. The biggest surprise came from the only Honda Insight in competition (sponsored by Honda Alma): its driver managed to achieve a 2.9 L/100 km rating over the entire rally.
 |
| Just before sunrise and the start of the rally, the cars gathered in the parking lot of Village Mont-Tremblant. |
Overall, the Priuses got better results, with an average of 4.7 L/100 km. Meanwhile, the most fuel-efficient Honda Civic Hybrid, driven by Bertrand Godin (Team Honda - En route vert l'avenir) delivered a very commendable performance: 5.3 L/100 km.
A one-of-a-kind adventure
My review of this rally doesn't come close to telling the whole story; you have to live it to believe it. There were many setbacks and unexpected twists over these two days. The most determined crews (we were one of them) did not let the weather affect them. They drove with the windows up and the HVAC off during the entire event (despite considerable temperature changes), just to save even more fuel.
There were also numerous turns to anticipate and even a few incorrect directions that, fortunately, were quickly solved with sudden u-turns. Moreover, during one particular section, a number of red lights and road works lead to a 3-minute delay, which meant a penalty of 180 points.
Bertrand Godin did a masterful job in the five regularity test sections, losing only 36 points. He strived to always keep the car in motion, never hesitating to attack corners without using the brakes!
Conclusion
A real challenge or a marketing stunt? Whichever it is, the Laurentian Alternative Energy Rally fulfilled its mission: to generate a spotlight on these green vehicles that are seriously becoming more and more attractive for people who care about the environment.
The winning team, Honda - En route vert l'avenir, got a total of 556 penalty points (340 for fuel economy), while the closest competitors collected 831 points. Regardless of the results, everyone -- even a racecar driver like Bertrand Godin -- learned first-hand that saving fuel means changing your driving habits.
photo:Marc Bouchard
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