NoCo middle schoolers grab race honors

FORT COLLINS, Colo., May 8, 2019 – Middle school scholars from Fort Collins and Loveland competed for the first time against students statewide in the National Renewable Energy Laboratories’ annual electric car race competitions, three of which placing in the top ranks.

From Fort Collins, Compass Community Collaborative School’s Shwoopty Schooops team took second place in the lithium ion battery car races and the Bro Fam Lit Squad team took third in the solar car races.

Encouraged by Platte River Power Authority’s sponsorship, seven schools from Platte River’s owner communities sent solar and battery race teams to compete at the state level, all but one competing for the first time. Nearly every team competed with favorable results through the time trials and in the elimination rounds.

Also from Fort Collins, Webber Middle School’s Nitro Kitty team took home a trophy for its cheering section’s display of the true spirit behind the competition – a passion for STEM education, and the support and fun that come from it. Loveland’s Resurrection Christian Academy has participated in the state competition before and, this year, the Cougars 3 team received second place honors for its battery car design.

“We are so pleased for the schools that participated in this year’s time trials held at Walt Clark Middle School in April and the statewide competition on Saturday,” said Steve Roalstad, Platte River spokesman. “We are already planning for next year and invite more of our middle schools to join in the fun.” A complete listing of results is available from a web page built by NREL.

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Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider that delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado for delivery to their utility customers.

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