FAQ's
How do I sign up?
Sign up on this website and get on the Greaseball mailing list. Currently, we are accepting entries for Greaseball Rally USA 2009 and Greaseball Rally Central America 2009.
How many teams can sign up for the rally?
The first 50 teams are guaranteed a place.
How do I ensure getting a place?
1. Sign up to the website.
2. When you receive confirmation, complete an online registration form and pay the entry fee to snag your place. If you are accepted, you can create your team page.
3. You need to be 18 years of age when you sign up.
How much is the entry fee?
The entry fee is $350. For this fee, you get a team webpage, Greaseball stickers, maps, "Greaseball Road book", and other goodies.
What documents do I need?
- Valid driver's license
- Vehicle title and registration
- Insurance
- If a non-US national, a national passport and national/international driver's license
How much do I need to raise for charity?
We ask that a minimum $1000 donation per team go to the official Greaseball charities. Teams can choose which Greaseball project this money is allocated to. We leave you to decide what you do with funds raised above this amount: either you can donate them to the Greaseball charities or to a registered charity of your choice. We will help you with some great fundraising ideas and on finding sponsors to support your team. More information on the Greaseball charities for 2009 will be available soon under "Our Projects".
What is the deadline for fundraising?
Teams have until the rally launch date to raise $1000 for the Greaseball charities.
Do I need a vehicle to sign up?
No, you can find a vehicle later.
How many vehicles in a team?
One vehicle counts as one team - whether a car, bus, truck, van, or motorbike.
Do I need to know about cars?
Not necessarily - you can always find someone who does!
Do I have to drive a "grease" car?
You should aim to use a car converted to run on waste grease. We can provide technical advice and contacts to help with the conversion. We will allow entrants with vehicles powered by other alternative fuels but we discourage teams who plan to run their car purely on fossil fuels, as it's not what we are trying to achieve. Exceptions to this rule may be considered for vehicles of notable unusualness with high comedy value (get in touch with your ideas if you think your wheels qualify). If you choose to run a vehicle on fossil fuels only, we will ask you to make an additional donation of $500 to the Greaseball charities.
Where do we get grease?
Good question. It's all part of the challenge. Greaseball hope to have some staged "grease stops" for teams along the way, but there's no shortage of fast food joints, diners, restaurants, factories, and farms. And remember, if you really get stuck, you can always buy a catering size flagon of veg oil at the store.
Is there a specific route?
Greaseball suggests a route based on practicality and experience, which incorporates some scenic highlights. But teams are free to go their own way. However, we do encourage you to make it to the group rendezvous points along the rally route so you can get to know other teams, and get a helping hand with your vehicles!
How long will it take?
10 days to 2 weeks for Greaseball West Coast USA, and up to 3 weeks for Greaseball Central America. Count on a few variables throwing up the unexpected - breakdowns are typical.
