Team Hoyt

Hyundai & Hoyt: The Ultimate Team

In 1977, Rick Hoyt told his father Dick he would like to participate in a 5 mile run. It was a benefit for a Lacrosse player who had become paralyzed. Rick was diagnosed at birth as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, and was unable to walk or speak naturally.  Running a race seemed impossible but there are always ways to surpass those boundaries.

Dick ran the race and pushed his son in a wheelchair. Afterward, Rick told his father, “when I am running, it feels like I am not handicapped.

From there, Team Hoyt would complete over 1,000 races, including the 2014 Boston Marathon.

Team Hoyt

Teamwork & Technology

Hyundai recently announced a global campaign called The Car Triathlon Powered by Pure Energy, with the Tucson Fuel Cell, Sonata Hybrid, and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid as the banner vehicles. Environmentally conscious automobiles have more relevance than ever and Hyundai has the ability to lead this cutting edge movement. Hyundai’s Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) are the result of multiple technologies combining in harmony.

In order to meet the increasing demand of environmentally friendly cars, it takes a team of professionals in every area of Hyundai. In order to show the capability, value, and ultimate relevance of these vehicles, Hyundai went beyond traditional marketing and gave a father and son an opportunity they always wanted.

Hyundai proposed a new style of Triathlon, with Dick at the wheel and Rick in the passenger seat. It was after all, Rick’s wish to one day be able to race next to his father.

Hyundai Fuel Cell

Together & Side-by-Side

Each model of Hyundai’s eco lineup stood for one of three courses: swimming, cycling, and marathon running, like a triathlon. Tucson FCEV was up first, “swimming” through Burbank Lake, known for its very strict environmental standards. Sonata Hybrid was next, making use of class leading horsepower for the cycling course. Sonata Hybrid, with Team Hoyt at the wheel, powered through the uphill course unaffected.

The Sonata Hybrid was pulling a water tank heavier than itself too. Team Hoyt even made a show of writing an eco-friendly and inspiring message on the track. Lastly, Hyundai Sonata Plugin Hybrid took over for the marathon run. In EV mode, it can dash a 27 mile course without touching the gasoline engine.

*Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog.net and resides in Detroit, Michigan

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Hyundai & Team Hoyt. All views and opinions expressed here are my own. Check out our advertising guidelines to see why we’d never steer you wrong.