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More than 200 students from seven Birmingham city schools took part in Alabama Power's fourth annual Automobiles for a Cleaner Tomorrow education event April 24 at the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Students in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grades who are interested in math, science and engineering were joined by experts from Alabama Power's Electric Transportation group and the Verizon IndyCar Series. Students learned how math and science connects to careers involving automobiles and the automotive industry. They enjoyed a close-up look at an emission-free, all-electric sports car and a high- performance IndyCar. Engineers from Alabama Power's Learning Engineering Applications and Principles (LEAP) organization were on hand to talk about pursuing a career in engineering. They conducted a hands- on exercise that challenged the students to construct a Pinewood Derby car and race against one another. Graham Rahal, driver of the No. 15 National Guard Dallara, was the special guest at the educational event. Rahal, son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, is the youngest winner in major open-wheel racing history. The son competed April 27 in the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Barber Motorsports Park. "Racing is driven by engineering," Rahal told the students. "The way the car is set up is based off of different conditions such as weather and track surface. I have an engineer on my team and we are always throwing around different ideas trying to make us more competitive in each race." "Our relationship with Alabama Power is one that we greatly value," said Rick Humphrey, vice president of ZOOM Motorsports. "Their dedication to investing in the lives of children through the Alabama Power: Automobiles for a Cleaner Tomorrow education event is remarkable, and I cannot thank them enough for their continued support and partnership." Automobiles for a Cleaner Tomorrow focused on the growing interest and industry related to "greener" vehicles that produce fewer emissions and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil. Alabama Power continues to be a leader in promoting electric transportation and is working to educate customers about the expanding options related to plug-in electric vehicles. For more information on the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, visit www.barbermotorsports.com. To learn more about Alabama Power's efforts related to electric transportation, visit www.alabamapower.com. Click on "Environment" and then "What We're Learning." By Freddy Padilla Race for Cleaner Energy EDUCATION Energy Sales and Efficiency Program Manager Robin White discusses advantages of electric vehicles. 4 Photos by Wynter Byrd S T U D E N T S G E T C LO S E - U P LO O K AT E M I S S I O N - F R E E C A R S More than 200 students participated in event. Rahal explains auto aerodynamics.