Leilani Münter Races Hydrogen-powered Ford Focus in Viking Rally across Norway

May 30, 2009 · Filed Under Electric Vehicles (EV), Hydrogen, Racing

Earlier this month the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS) held the Viking Rally in Norway – an international zero-emissions rally for hydrogen cars, electric cars, and plug-in hybrids. Leilani Münter (who is an eco-racing advocate, world famous race car driver, and self-proclaimed “hippy chick”) drove a hydrogen-powered Ford Focus in the race, despite a driveshaft problem that plagued the team throughout the multi-stage race.

Henning Solberg and Leilani Münter. Photo: Hallgeir Raknerud, KNA

The rally was organized in accordance with International Sporting Regulations (ISR), The Norwegian Sports Regulations (NSR) and Regulations for the event. The rules for the rally were interesting.

Teams start with zero points and the goal is to keep your points as low as possible. Penalty points are awarded to teams if they arrive late during a maximum time stage, arrive early OR late for an ideal time stage, arrive early OR late for a regularity test. For times trials (where speed is the goal), all drivers receive penalty points for the number of seconds it takes to complete the stage.

A video of Leilani, describing her goals at the race. Many more videos from the race are available here.

“I had a great time participating in the Viking Rally,” said Leilani, “this event brought together people from all over the world, uniting us through our mutual goal of using clean renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. It was an honor to be a part of such a symbolic and hopeful event.”

Eacy days updates from the race are available at Leilani’s website, with additional information from the organizers here.