B&W Pantex Hosts Annual Electric Car Race Saturday

Area middle schoolers work to build renewable energy vehicles

The next great innovator in modern automotive design might just be getting their start this weekend at the B&W Pantex Electric Battery Car Race.

Aspiring auto engineers from middle schools across the Panhandle will gather at Caprock High School to put their skills to the test in a 20-meter race to see whose design is the fastest and most stylish.

The car race, which is part of the National Science Bowl, will pit 24 teams of car builders against each other in a competition to build the fastest battery powered car. The event challenges students to use scientific knowledge, creative thinking, experimentation and teamwork to design and build a car powered by renewable energy.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors the car races, with different types of propulsion chosen for the cars. In prior years, the cars were powered by solar power or Hydrogen fuel cells. This year, DOE chose electric battery cars. Teams were given kits a month ago to assemble into the fastest, most stylish car they can create.

“This is an exciting way for these students to get hands-on experience applying the knowledge they learn in school,” said race coordinator Debra Halliday. “It’s a fun way for us to encourage a new generation of inventors and engineers.”

The races start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Caprock High School. Each race will feature four cars running down a 20-meter track, as well as a competition for car design and most attractive car.

CONTACT
Greg Cunningham
Public Affairs
Office (806) 477-5140
Pager (806) 345-1560
gcunning@pantex.com