In 1895, the Chicago Times-Herald held what many believe is the first officially sanctioned motor race in the United States. Six cutting-edge vehicles raced 50 miles between Chicago and Evanston, and only two of the six vehicles even managed to finish the race. Today, the Chicago Auto Show is recreating that historic race with a fleet of alt-fuel vehicles including the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S.
The race sets off at 10 am from McCormick Place in Chicago and turns around at Dawes Park in Evanston, before moving on to the Chicago’s Center Green Technology and then returning to McCormick Place around 2:15 pm. The race recreates the original rally, though this time there are paved roads, though there’s still a chance some competitors might not finish.
A veritable who’s-who of green vehicles will be in attendance, including the aforementioned Volt and Model S. Also on hand will be a Ford C-Max Energi, a Fisker Karma, three different versions of the Toyota Prius, the Nissan Leaf, the VIA Motors EREV pickup, a Tesla Roadster, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, and even a Smith Electric delivery truck. That’s a lot of competitors representing a lot of different alternatives to pure gasoline combustion.
Green motorsports is gaining a lot of traction, whether it be fun little rallies like this, or more serious and intense competitions like Formula E. Going fast doesn’t have to be dirty, or even loud anymore, and people are finding these futuristic cars more enthralling than ever. Oh, and that original rally in 1895 was won by a Duryea, which completed the journey in just nine hours.
Our money is on the Tesla Roadster to take home the gold, but there are plenty of worthy competitors in this list…especially for a race held on public roads. Who do you think will win?
Source: Autoblog Green
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