By University Relations

VU sponsors IMSTEA challege

The 13th annual IMSTEA Super Mileage Challenge was held at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis on Monday, April 28. 
Watch it on YouTube! 
See the photos, courtesy of staff photographer Dave Fisher.  (If you would like a copy of a photo, please contact Dave at dfisher@vinu.edu)

Vincennes University provided technical inspection facilities, the technical Inspection dinner, support personnel, and materials.

Thirty-seven Indiana high schools entered 49 cars in the two classes of competition.  Stock class allows no modification to the engine and will have 25 cars.  Unlimited class allows engine modifications and will have 24 entries.  The unlimited class cars typically average over 1,000 mpg, and this year the field will be seeking to crack the 1,500 mpg barrier. 

The 2008 IMSTEA Super Mileage Challenge Awards winners are

Unlimited Class Champion
Mater Dei High School
Evansville, IN
1,348.88 MPG

Stock Class Champion
Greenfield Central High School
Greenfield, IN
1,105.43 MPG

Performance Concept Award
(closest to projected mileage)
Delta High School
101.57%
Muncie, IN

Best Integration of Math, Science and Technology
Terre Haute South Vigo High School
Terre Haute, IN

Best Design Proposal
Warsaw High School
Warsaw, IN

Craftsmanship Award
Greenfield Central High School
Greenfield, IN

Sportsmanship Award
Winamac High School
Winamac, IN

Tenacity Award
Rochester High School
Rochester, IN

People’s Choice Award
South Spencer High School
Rockport, IN

The students built their own cars under the supervision of a faculty member.  They are responsible for the design and construction of the car and for raising all funds needed for the project.  Engines are furnished by Briggs & Stratton Corp., but all other items must be either purchased or donated by sponsors.  The students learn not only the technical and scientific aspects of building a high mileage car, they also learn how to work as a team and solve complex problems.

To be eligible to compete, each school must submit a detailed technical proposal covering all aspects of the design and construction of the car.  Such things as aerodynamic drag, friction forces, braking forces and cornering forces must be calculated and discussed in detail.  The proposal insures that the students are exposed to the scientific principles of high mileage as well as the technology of building the car.

These students are the future scientists, engineers and technicians who will be designing, building and servicing the cars of the future.  What they learn in this event may help them to give us more fuel efficient cars in times to come.

The Super Mileage Challenge is held under the auspices of the Indiana Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Alliance (IMSTEA).  IMSTEA is a non-profit, educational organization composed of teachers, administrators, businesspersons and concerned citizens.  It is dedicated to improving the technological literacy and competence of Indiana’s citizens.