It’s all very well reading about the electric exploits of hill-climbing all-electric race cars and the 0-60 times of purpose-built electric drag cars, but sometimes there’s no substitute for experiencing the joy of electric motorsport first hand.

In a little over two weeks, that’s exactly what you’ll get if you head to the world-famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in sunny California. 

Now in its 4th year, Refuel 2012 offers anyone with an electric vehicle, be it two, three, or four wheeled, the chance to drive it around a real race course to see what it can do.

It's essentially the ultimate U.S. track day for anyone with an electric car. 

For those who haven’t driven on a track before, 2012 Refuel offers free orientation sessions, while participants can race on the track as many times as they want at no cost. 

If you want to drive your car to the track, recharging is available in the paddock during the day, meaning you can drive there, take part, and drive home without burning a single drop of gasoline.

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt tackles the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt tackles the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca

All you need to do to take part is register yourself and your vehicle at the 2012 Refuel website, and turn up on the day. 

Last year’s event included everything from Tesla Roadsters, Nissan Leafs and Mini-Es through to Zero electric motorcycles, Brammo Empluse Rs and even a couple of converted Porsches and Mazda Miatas. 

2012 Refuel takes place on Sunday, July 1, so you’ve got two weeks left to register and plan your day. 

If you haven’t got an electric car yet, don’t worry: you can always turn up and spectate. Non entrants and spectators will be charged a $10 per person gate fee.

Still not sure? Take a look at a video from one of last year’s entrants, who took his 2011 Nissan Leaf -- and a suitable video camera -- around what is one of our all-time favorite race tracks. 

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