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Since the Audi Mileage Marathon is essentially a contest to see which team of journalists can achieve the best fuel economy out of each vehicle, it's only fitting that some rules and regulations are put into place. Each car is fitted with a data logger that tracks the fuel consumption and average speed of each car, so even if we were to reset the in-dash trip computer, our overall results would not change. Points are awarded for the best fuel economy and the highest average speed, with more weight put on economy.

A team of IMSA officials traveled along with the Audi folks and monitored all fuel stops. Teams are not allowed to add any fuel themselves, and only one tank of gas is allotted per day. Just before we reach the hotel each night, we stop off at a Shell station where the IMSA folks fill the tank, record how much fuel was used, and seal off the fuel door with a signed sticker.

As for car modifications, we were told that the tires were inflated to the maximum pressure to give the best fuel economy. Bob Massa, a Michelin spokesperson, told us that even if we over-inflated the tires, it wouldn't do us any good, as the specific low-rolling-resistance tires outfitted on these cars were made for optimum economical driving. One team did, however, tape up the front end of a Q7 to eliminate any sheetmetal gaps, though these modifications did not improve their numbers in any way.

Click through the gallery to see some of the IMSA folks regulating our drive, and stay tuned for more impressions from the Mileage Marathon.