CT Electrathon Spring Registration Information

Attention Racers! CT Electrathon is back! We have partnered with Mike Grella to assist with team registration for the spring race on May 17th at Lime Rock Park. We should have a brand new website ready to go soon. 

You are cordially invited to attend Connecticut's 23rd Spring Energy Efficiency Electrathon event. Come and view the streamlined designs and engineering ideas students have incorporated into these unique vehicles!

When: May 17th, 8 am-3 pm. 

Where: Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT.

MAJOR SPONSORS

-Lime Rock Park- 

-WorkspaceCT-

-Central Connecticut State University-

Please use the links below to access registration information and contact information and to let us know if you will be racing, spectating, or volunteering!

Mike has a new email- THS_solar.team@yahoo.com

 Agenda 

8:15 am - 10:00 am --- Registration

8:15 am - 10:00 am --- Inspections

10:00 am - 10:30 am --- Track Time

10:45 am - 11:45 am --- 1st Heat

11:45 am - 12:30 pm --- Lunch/Track Time

12:45 pm -1:45 pm --- 2nd Heat

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm --- 3rd Heat

Awards

Link to the full Registration Packet

JANUARY 2024 ELECTRATHON MEETING DISCUSSIONS

INSPECTIONS

To expedite the inspection process, several ideas were brought forward. One idea was to have a pre-inspection at CCSU, another was to have a pre-inspection via photo submissions. The ideas were discussed at great length with no firm solution.

What was decided is that when you register you will receive our entire inspection packet plus a sheet highlighting areas of major safety concern such as roll bar height/construction, seat belt installation, etc. Please read and follow the Electrathon America Handbook. We spend a vast amount of time on a few vehicles that don't meet the EA safety requirements. If everyone follows the rules inspection time can be drastically reduced. We don't like to turn away any participant but safety is our first objective.

TIMING &LAP COUNTING

Mike Petrucci did an outstanding job of researching a timing system that is within our budget. Should we purchase the system, the cost would be $2,800 plus $175 for each transponder. Each team would have the option to purchase their own transponder or rent one from CT Electrathon. If we decide to rent the system the cost would be $600 with 15-20 transponders for each competition. At present, we have enough money to purchase the system but not the transponders. It was decided that we would rent the system for the Spring Event and see if it meets our needs.

FLAGGING AND COMMUNICATIONS

With the expanded track it is difficult for the Race Stewart to see what is happening on the low side of the track. We decided to purchase a few radio sets to improve communications.

FUNDING THE PROGRAM

After we pay for the insurance, timing system rental, trophies, postage, and printing we have a $3,100 reserve. We need 27-28 cars per race to break even. At the last two competitions, we averaged 22 vehicles. As a result, we have been using reserve funds to cover the difference. The Spring Event has the most entrants but the Fall Event has never funded itself.

One suggestion is to hold one event per year, but it was decided to keep the Fall Event and possibly look for Corporate sponsors.  If anyone has possible contacts I would be willing to make a presentation.

WEBSITE

At present, we do not have a dedicated website. CT Workspace has generously offered the use of their web page until we decide how to handle the problem. Jim Carlson has stepped up and offered to locate a site at a reasonable fee.

VOLUNTEERS

CCSU is having a difficult time recruiting students to assist with the competition. Part of the problem is the timing of the race and student work schedules. It was decided that each participating team would have one volunteer to assist with flagging and communications.

TIME DISTANCE RALLY

In the past, another organization has offered the use of their facility. While not suited for our program it would add another facet to the Electrathon program should we hold a time distance rally. We could design a course and set speed limits from one checkpoint to another. If we have enough interest I can approach the organization to see if they are still interested.