One Lap of America: Four smarts In One Parking Spot

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

The smart fortwo finished last in the majority of the One Lap events, but it’s still cool. Owner Stephen Noton had a great time with it, the smart looked hysterical out on the track, and there wasn’t any other car on the tour that was able to draw more identical cars out to the racetracks to greet it. Plus, when you get a bunch of smarts together, there seems to be no limit to the goofy, fun-with-cars antics that people are willing to get involved in. Ok, so we never actually lifted one off the ground�everyone was too worried that the panels would fall off�but we did establish that a standard parking spot will in fact hold four smarts. It was a stretch, and wheels were on the white line on both sides. But in a pinch, you could do it. More pics after the jump!

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Posted at 8:40 pm in Jen Dunnaway, One Lap of America, Smart

Comments

Məxfi
Jun 2, 2008 at 8:59 pm

SMART CARS ARE !!!!!!GAY!!!!!!!

driven2succeed
May 14, 2008 at 6:43 pm

Ha Ha Ha all the way from the gas station! If I drive my smart conservatively (no jack rabbit starts, anticipate stops, etc.), I get around 50 miles to the gallon. They are not “throw away” cars. They have a proven track record in Europe.

I still have a four seater when I travel with my family. However, the vast majority of my time in a vehicle is spent ALONE. Why would I want to haul all of that extra vehicle around with me if I don’t need it? How many cars do you really see each day with more than two occupants?

I’m not a tree-hugger…I’m a tight wad! You can purchase a smart for around thirteen grand if you don’t want all the extras. Eighteen will get you to the top of the line. I went from spending $75.00 a week on gas to spending less than $30.00.

Besides all of the above…admit it, THEY ARE CUTE!

CSX321
May 13, 2008 at 3:04 pm

chromeballs:
While smaller cars need to be part of the future, the problem with the Smart, as James said, is that it just doesn’t get good mileage. At all. According to their own Web site, the 2008 model gets 33 city/41 highway. There are many better, more practical, auto choices that are as good or better.

Still, I wish I could have seen it compete in One Lap this year. I did the whole One Lap route two years ago as part of a media team, and it was an exhaustingly good time. I’d love to actually race one of these years, ideally in an AMC Pacer in the Vintage American class.

Derrick
May 13, 2008 at 2:50 pm

bring on those mini-donuts again!

James
May 13, 2008 at 2:01 pm

The Smart needs to be greatly improved before it is a feasible addition to most American homes. The fuel economy is actually quite poor considering what you sacrifice compared to other small cars like the Mini, Fit, and Yaris… on premium fuel. Acceleration is dangerously slow, and the fact it can only fit two people plus marginal cargo makes it impractical for many families.

Highspeedhijinks
May 13, 2008 at 1:04 pm

Its almost like it was supposed to be that way. Awesome

chromeballs
May 13, 2008 at 9:07 am

Thses comments go to show that Americans have not yet gotten the message.We WILL accept these automobiles yet.
One of the posters obviously hasn;t gotten to the point where the cost of fuel has become an issue in the budget.
Ignorance like that poster is why we are paying $4.00 a gallon for fuel now and that is just the tip of the iceberg.Some people will not change their driving habits.
Due to tree huggers in America and our dependence on foreign oil it is only a matter of time before the ignorant posters will realize that these vehicle are reality of the future.
Keep buying your fuel hogs and subsidizing the Saudi’s and Venezualans lifestyles while we work for pennies here in America.

chromeballs
May 13, 2008 at 9:07 am

Lance
May 13, 2008 at 12:56 am

haha thats so gay! As if a ForTwo can actually race!

ITS A THROW AWAY ECONOMY CAR!

Məxfi
May 12, 2008 at 8:59 pm

haha thats so awesome!