Contact Us:
info@nyelectrathon.com
250 Lake Ave, Auburn, NY 13021
(315)255-8300 ext. 2446
WHAT IS ELECTRATHON?
NY Electrathon is a website started in 2009 by Chris Hurd and his students at Cazenovia HS in Central New York. It is now maintained and run by Bill Gilmore of Auburn HS, and it's main objective is to be the goto source for electrathon information in New York State and beyond.
By getting involved in designing and building an electric race car, students and teachers across the state can get involved with an exciting and motivating educational project. Not only will it bring positive PR to your Technology, PLTW, and Science programs, but it is educationally sound for all of your students as well.
Electrathon racing has been around for many years, and is a relatively low cost way for high school students to learn about the following concepts:
-Science, especially physics
-Applying mathematical concepts
-Engineering Principles
-Research & Development
-Problem solving skills
-Energy & Environmental impacts
-Graphic Design
-Electronics
-Fabrication
-Communication Skills
-Writing Skills
-Fundraising
-Managing finances
-Mentoring
-Community Partnerships
-Community and professional involvement
All of these aspects and more can be developed by getting involved with electrathon racing while students work as a team to achieve a common goal.
WHAT'S THE OVERALL GOAL OF ELECTRATHON?
The goal of Electrathon is to provide a learning experience that will build public awareness of the capabilities and potential of efficient electric vehicles. Developed around specific rules designed to keep cost down and competition high, these unique vehicles offer an opportunity and challenge to experiment, learn, and compete. For more information, go to Electrathon America, and check out what is going on at the national level.
GENERAL VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Electrathon vehicles:
-Are single person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high efficiency, electric vehicles.
-Have three or four wheels.
-Are powered by gel cell battery packs not exceeding 67 pounds.
-Must have brakes.
-Must have a 5 point racing harness.
-May be built from a kit or from scratch.
-Usually weigh between 100-150 lbs.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ELECTRATHON COMPETITION
Electrathon is a type of Electric Marathon in which the winner is determined by how far you go in a certain time with a given amount of battery power. Electrathon class competition uses specific design rules to ensure safe and fair competition. Electrathon events are held around the country and are an exciting new environmentally progressive sport.
-Drivers must wear DOT approved helmets, and wear protective gloves.
-Cars must go through a rigorous safety inspection before the race, and rules are strictly enforced on the track by stewards.
-Each team must have two drivers, with a full state approved drivers license. Between the 20-30 minute mark of the race, a pit stop is made to switch drivers. YOU MAY NOT CHARGE OR CHANGE BATTERIES! This is done to involve more students.
-5 to 10 cars may be on the track at the same time, but the goal is to make as many laps as possible in one hour.
Most teams have as few as four members, but may have as many as fifteen.
-An electrathon race may be held in a parking lot, on city streets, in velodromes, in parking garages, at go-cart tracks, or at speedways, depending on the event.
NY Electrathon is a website created by Chris Hurd and his students at Cazenovia HS in Central New York and maintained by Bill Gilmore and his students in Auburn, NY in order to get more New York teachers and students involved with electrathon racing. We also hope to make this an exceptional source of information for all things electrathon.
