GRANTSVILLE—Students in Corby Briggs classes at North Sanpete Middle School took second place in their division at the Mountain West Grand Prix Greenpower Race at the Miller Motor Sports Park on April 20.
“Students in the class have been working on improvements to their car since January,” said Briggs. “We weren’t able to compete last year due to COVID, so the students were extra excited this year; I am happy with the students and how well they did.”
The Mountain West Grand Prix started as the Utah Greenpower Electric Car Challenge in 2015 with only a handful of schools participating. Students work in teams to design and build single-seat electric car kits from Greenpower USA. They are guided by mentors as they learn by doing new things.
The Greenpower challenge in Utah grows every year. The event starts with qualifying heats to determine which teams will advance to the final round. Qualifying cars then race in one final set. Scoring is based on the number of continuous laps, with extra points awarded for cars competing in the fastest lap and a video presentation.
Racing is only part of the competition. Each team starts with either a new car kit or as these students did modify a car from the previous year. Working together, they learn how their car operates from the inside out, making changes to its look and function.
Prior to race day student’s complete coursework, recruit team sponsors, practice racing and create a video.
