POWERGRAMS

EDUCATION Electrafying! Students race vehicles, test engineering skills at Barber Motorsports Alabama Power has sponsored the Electrathon race for two years. "It's really great just learning how to put this vehicle together for this event at Barber's," Golden said. The inaugural Electrathon in 2012 included four teams – three high schools and one college. Photos by Bill Snow I n a scholarly competition that puts students in the driver's seat, 11 teams hit the track for the second annual Electrathon sponsored by Alabama Power at Barber Motorsports Park April 22. Students from eight high schools, two independent teams and Auburn University assembled, charged and raced their vehicles at the 740-acre multipurpose Birmingham race track that is home to IndyCar and pro motorcycle events. The student drivers were given one hour to complete as many laps as they could in their electrically powered cars. After the first race, they recharged the batteries and came back for more laps around the 2.38-mile road course. Pensacola High School's engineering team took the overall trophy by completing the most laps. Although they didn't bring home the ultimate prize, Auburn University team members still considered their efforts a "win" just by participating in the event. Driver David Golden said he enjoyed the overall experience of Electrathon. Students build and drive the electric vehicles. The 2013 lineup included students from Calera High, Carver High, Fairfield High, Hewitt-Trussville High, Pensacola High of Florida and many others. "The experience taught me how important accuracy is in the engineering field," said Carver freshman Izai Lewis. "I was excited to learn how to wire an electric car using two 12-volt batteries." Alabama Power partnered with Zoom Motorsports and Skilled Knowledgeable Youth to bring Electrathon to Barber Motorsports for a second straight year. Similar Electrathon races are held all over the country. For a schedule of events and more information, go to www. electrathonamerica.org. "This is one of the great things about our country – it's the home of ingenuity," said Randy Johnson, Alabama Power's director of Electric Transportation. "This event provided a great forum for exposing the next generation to exciting electric transportation technology." By Keisa Sharpe Auburn University entry leads field in early going of 2013 competition. PAGE 5

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