The Whitko High School Transportation Technology class competed April 18 in the 2011 IMSTEA Super Mileage Challenge.The team’s day at the track ended with an official 255.86 miles per gallon average in the unlimited division, placing the wildcats 11th in the division. This placing came as a relief to the team due to having a blown engine just two days before the event. Whitko High School’s stock entry achieved a 342 miles-per-gallon best run. However, it failed to make the three qualifying runs needed for an official placing. Qualifying runs were difficult to achieve due to unforeseeable clutch problems in the vehicle. Using IMSTEA’s mathematical formula for calculating mileage, this vehicle increased its mileage from last year by 3 percent and had the potential to place fifth in its class of 18 entries from around the state. Forty-four vehicles from various Indiana high schools and one university competed for the 2011 titles. The Super Mileage Challenge is sponsored by the Indiana Math Science and Technology Educators Association to promote the integration of math, science and technology education. Each school must first create a design proposal for their entry. The proposal must include underlying math and science principles and calculations of vehicle configuration, maneuverability, stability, fuel economy, aerodynamics, breaking systems, turning radius, driver safety and a cost estimate. Technical drawings must be included for each of these areas. Once the design is approved by the IMSTEA, it is an official entry, and may be produced for the competition. Each school is provided a Briggs and Stratton engine for each vehicle entered. After production the vehicle is then tested and modified to improve the design. The final vehicle must then pass a mandatory technical and safety inspection before it will be allowed to compete. The competition takes place at Lucas Oil Raceway Park. A qualified run consists of 10 laps around the 5/8ths mile speedway completed under a 25 minute time limit. At least three qualified runs must be achieved to be eligible for a placing. The fuel is weighed before and after the run and mathematically calculated to revile the mileage achieved. Whitko High School’s Transportation and Manufacturing classes thank the following people and businesses for their time and support: Johnson Brothers Sign Company, Whitley Welding and Fabrication, Star Tire and Automotive, Tarkio Road Bicycle Shop, Tranter Paper Company, Times-Union and Arnold Brothers Oil and Parts. Students competing on the 2011 team were: Brent Busz, Eric Boger, Brant Campbell, Riley Cokl, Chris Bumbagh, Ian Pherigo, Jenna Kahn, Edward VanHouten, Andrew Warren and Jordan Eberly. The lead faculty members were Jay Ocken and Bryan Sprunger.
