Wawasee, Warsaw to Compete in 2014 Mileage Challenge
Posted
Staff Report-
INDIANAPOLIS – Teams from Wawasee and Warsaw Community High Schools will compete at the 19th annual IMSTEA Super Mileage Challenge at Lucas Oil Raceway Park, Indianapolis, April 28 beginning at 8:30 a.m. A total of 23 Indiana high schools have entered 31 cars in the four classes of competition, according to a press release from Indiana Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Alliance. Stock class, which allows no modification to the engine, will have seven cars. A new stock class carries a “J” designation denoting the use of the new stock class engine. Seven cars are using this engine, which will replace old stock class engines for future events. Unlimited class allows engine modifications and will have 15 entries. Two cars will be running in an exhibition class. This class allows cars which use non-standard engines. Additionally, two cars from Greenville High School, Tennessee, will be running to gain experience in the event, the release states. The unlimited class cars typically average over 1,000 mpg, and this year the field will be seeking to crack the 1,500 mpg barrier. The students build their own cars under the supervision of a faculty member. The students are responsible for the design and construction of the car and for raising all funds needed for the project. Briggs & Stratton Corp. furnishes the engines, but all other items must either be purchased by the team or donated by sponsors. 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. The Super Mileage Challenge is held under the auspices of IMSTEA, a non-profit educational organizational composed of teachers, administrators, businesspersons and concerned citizens.
