Vehicle passing speed timer

This application relates to a system and method for controlling an engine to allow a vehicle operator to manually exceed an established maximum vehicle speed normally imposed by the vehicle's engine control so that the operator may safely pass other vehicles. A system and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle which allows the vehicle operator to manually request a vehicle speed in excess of the established vehicle speed limit that includes establishing a normal vehicle speed limit, establishing a passing duration period, establishing a passing override reset interval, and controlling the engine in response to operator input to provide a greater vehicle speed for a cumulative period not greater than the passing duration period at any time during the passing override reset interval. The system and method may include the capability of establishing a passing speed increment and controlling the vehicle speed during passing to limit the vehicle to a speed not exceeding the normal vehicle speed limit plus the passing speed increment.