Best Hypermilers From Across America Compete in MPG Challenge - Top Drivers Achieve 60 to 168 MPG

Madison, WI- Today at Hybridfest 2007, the nation’s largest hybrid car festival, 35 drivers competed in the second annual Hybridfest MPG Challenge, with the top drivers achieving 60 to 168 miles per gallon (MPG), over a 26-mile open course. Novice to expert hypermilers competed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. Each driver’s goal was to achieve the best percentage over the EPA's estimates for their vehicle, within their division.

Hybridfest congratulates these highly skilled drivers for pushing the envelope of fuel efficiency, and showing that through driving habits alone, it is possible for any individual slash gasoline usage and global warming emissions, no matter what car they drive.

The winners in the six divisions:

Division 1 (Honda Insight)
William Kinney of Kennewick, WA 168 MPG, (223% over EPA estimate of 52 MPG) driving a 2005 Honda Insight.

Division 2 (’04-’07 Toyota Prius)
Jerad Parish of Madison, WI, 110 MPG (139% over EPA estimate of 46 MPG) driving a 2005 Toyota Prius.

Division 3 (Civic Hybrid, ’00-’03 Toyota Prius)
Michael Beres of Free Soil, MI, 63 MPG (62% over EPA estimate of 41 MPG) driving a 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Division 4 (Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid, Chevy Silverado Hybrid)
Gary Gattis of Jupiter, FL, 60 MPG (100% over EPA estimate of 30 MPG) driving a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.

To rule out excessively slow driving (or speeding) and to ensure the course was followed, maximum and minimum course time limits and odometer distance readings were enforced. To qualify, drivers were required to stay at or near posted speed limits.

Hybridfest 2007 continues Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, with free test drives, over 100 hybrid cars on site, and presentations from hybrid, driving and environmental experts. Nine plug-in hybrid cars are featured on display. Hybridfest is a free event with the purchase of a Dane county Fair ticket: $3 for ages 6-11 or $6 for ages 12 and above.

Hybridfest, Inc. (a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers) promotes awareness and understanding of hybrid electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient vehicles and their positive environmental impact.

Hybridfest 2007 is proud to thank these sponsors for their support:
Diamond: Toyota. Ruby: General Motors. Platinum: Ford Motor Company. Gold: Bridgestone, Continental Automotive Systems. Silver: Lexus of Madison, Clean MPG.com, Coastal eTech, Quaker Steak & Lube, Wisconsin Public Power Inc.