Although this year's Isle of Man TT races have recently come to an end, many are already looking forward to next year's event. In 2009, for the first time ever, the normal races will be run alongside the world's first "clean emissions grand prix." The event organizers hope to prove that "being green does not mean being slow." Any vehicle which is perceived as being green, either by being powered by electrons or by carbon neutral fuels, is encouraged to enter to race on the 101 year-old racing circuit. Both two and three-wheeled vehicles are said to be allowable.

According to Environment Minister John Shimmin, "The Isle of Man has a great tradition in both racing and technological innovation. Combining the world's greatest road racing circuit with state-of-the-art clean emission technologies brings yet another fantastic first for the Island." Current plans call for three one lap races on Senior Race Day. That would mean that the green races would be held after the official TT race has concluded.

[Source: TTXGP]

One of the 2007 Green Grand Prix entries.

The fact that the Green Grand Prix makes an appearance on our list should not come as a shocker. Where else are you gonna see pod-racers (like in the picture above) racing alongside vehicles running on biodiesel, electrons, LP, CNG, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell cars, a wood-powered SUV and a vegetable oil-powered car? Nowhere, as far as we know, which means we wish we could be in upstate New York on May 3rd.

Finally, Number 1.

Once upon a time before Formula One was fueled by mega-dollars, the U.S. Grand Prix was held at the Watkins Glen circuit in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. The track was the site of legendary battles between the likes of Mario Andretti, Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Eventually, the beautiful people decided it wasn't worth going out to the rural race track when they could instead hang out in more cosmopolitan locations like Phoenix and Indianapolis. After the track laid fallow for a few years, it was eventually revived and is now thriving (relatively speaking) once again.

One of the new newest events at Watkins Glen is the Green Grand Prix which will be run for the third time on May 3, 2008. The event is the only Sports Car Club of America sanctioned time-speed-distance rally specifically for alternative fuel vehicles. The competitors run a 78-mile route around Seneca Lake and include all manner of hybrids and other alt-fueled machines entered by individuals, schools and manufacturers. You can register at the site if you're in the area and interested.

[Source: Green Grand Prix]