INDIANAPOLIS – The 16th annual Indiana Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Alliance Super Mileage Challenge will be at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis April 18 at 8 a.m. Thirty-four Indiana high schools have entered 46 cars in the two classes of competition. According to a IMSTEA press release, the area high schools participating this year in the challenge are Triton High School, Bourbon; Warsaw Community High School, Warsaw; and Whitko High School, South Whitley. Stock class allows no modification to the engine and will have 22 cars. Unlimited class allows engine modifications and will have 24 entries. In addition, there will be two cars from Tennessee high schools running to gain experience in the event. The unlimited class cars typically average more than 1,000 miles per gallon, and this year the field will seek to crack the 1,500 mpg barrier. The students build their own cars under the supervision of a faculty member. They are responsible for the design and construction of the car and for raising all funds needed for the project. Briggs & Stratton Crop. furnishes the engines, but all other items must either be purchased by the team or donated by sponsors. The students learn not only the technical and scientific aspects of building a high mileage car, they also learn how to work as a team and solve complex problems. To be eligible, each school must submit a detailed technical proposal covering all aspects of the design and construction of the car. Such things as aerodynamic drag, friction forces, braking forces and cornering forces must be calculated and discussed in detail. The proposal ensures that the students are exposed to the scientific principles of high mileage as well as the technology of building the car. IMSTEA is a non-profit, educational organization composed of teachers, administrators, businesspersons and concerned citizens. It is dedicated to improving the technological literacy and competence of Indiana’s citizens.
