MADISON, Wis. --- This past weekend, Hybridfest 2007 hosted its annual MPG Challenge, with the top drivers achieving 60 to 168 miles per gallon (MPG) over a 26-mile open course. There were 35 drivers in the competition. The goal was to achieve the best percentage over the EPA's estimates for their vehicle, within their division. The winners in the six divisions: Division 1 (Honda Insight): William Kinney of Kennewick, Wash. --- 168 MPG, (223% over EPA estimate of 52 MPG) driving a 2005 Honda Insight. Division 2 (’04-’07 Toyota Prius): Jerad Parish of Madison, Wis., 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, Mich., 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, Fla., 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.
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