Dennis Weaver's Caravan Rides into Illinois Highlighting Electric-Hybrids, Hydrogen, Biodiesel, and E-85

Veteran actor Dennis Weaver has had to deal with many different modes of transportation during his career. Whether it be riding a horse on Gunsmoke or zipping around the Florida Everglades in an airboat (with his pet bear) on Gentle Ben, Mr. Weaver has learned how to get around in some unique places. On May 9, Dennis Weaver drove through Illinois in something a little more conventional: a red-white-and-blue Toyota Prius, a gasoline-electric hybrid car, to promote clean, domestic fuels and environmentally friendly vehicles.

Billed as the "Drive to Survive" caravan that traveled from L.A. to Washington, D.C. during a two-week stretch in early May, Dennis and his colleagues at the Institute of Ecolonomics in Colorado promoted several types of American fuels. The caravan featured the first cross-country voyage of a vehicle powered solely by hydrogen. Other vehicles in the caravan included a truck that ran on pure biodiesel fuel along with other gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.

During his trip from St. Louis to Chicago on May 9, staff of the Illinois EPA and members of the Chicago Area Clean Cities coalition hosted Mr. Weaver and his "Drive to Survive" teammates. With an escort from the Illinois State Police just south of Springfield, Dennis and his caravan made their way to the Governor's mansion in the heart of the capital city. Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano and State Repesentatives Phil Novak and Kurt Granberg welcomed Mr. Weaver to Springfield. Several media, including television, radio and newspapers, covered the story. As part of the occasion, Director Cipriano designated Dennis Weaver's Drive to Survive caravan as an "Honorary Illinois Green Fleet." From Springfield, members of the Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) coalition joined the caravan in adding several E-85 and natural gas-powered vehicles. The "Drive" from Springfield to Chicago, following Interstate 55 and parts of Historic Route 66, had two themes that were highlighted on the vehicles: "Drive to Survive on I-55" and "Get Your Clean Fuel Kicks on Route 66."

Along the way, the caravan pulled in at Becker's BP in Dwight where more media were waiting. Dennis filled up a Chevrolet Tahoe with E-85. Becker's BP is the newest E-85 station in Illinois.

As the caravan made its way into the Windy City at 5:00 p.m. Friday, the Chicago traffic provided a new meaning to Dennis' "Drive to Survive" message. That evening, the Chicago Area Clean Cities coalition hosted a dinner at Harry Caray's restaurant.