Southridge EV Sports team competes at EV Grand Prix
Southridge’s Electric Vehicle Sports team participates in the EV Grand Prix held at Purdue University this fall.
As sustainability becomes a core principle in modern innovation, the world of high school sports is embracing the future with electric vehicles (EVs). Among the most exciting developments is the growing popularity of EV sports programs in high schools across the U.S. These programs, which focus on designing, building, and racing electric vehicles, provide students with a unique hands-on learning experience while promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
High school sports traditionally revolve around physical competition—football, basketball, track, and other team-based activities. However, as technology continues to shape our future, electric vehicle racing has emerged as a new sport that merges engineering, innovation, and competition.
EV sports, particularly the creation and racing of electric go-karts or cars, are quickly gaining traction in schools. They offer students the chance to engage in a sport that challenges their technical skills while also fostering teamwork and problem-solving.
Southridge High School has had the opportunity to form a team of students, guided by Mr. Sam Collins, and participate in one of the most prominent events for high school EV sports – the EV Grand Prix. Founded in 2010, the EV Grand Prix is a competition where high school teams race electric-powered vehicles in a time trial-style event.
Teams from across the country gather to showcase their vehicles and compete for the top spot, with awards given for performance, design, and innovation. Teams are tasked with designing and building a fast, efficient, and safe electric go-kart. In addition to the race, there are often other categories for team presentations, sustainability efforts, and the engineering process behind each car. The competition is fierce, but the educational value is immense.
Upon arrival at the race, the Southridge team assembled the go-kart and began troubleshooting on the track. Each lap resulted in discussions and adjustments to improve speed and efficiency.
“We certainly ran into a few issues and had to completely disassemble a few things, but the kids didn’t hesitate at all,” Mr. Collins reported. “They worked together and got everything done that needed to be done to prepare for the event and actual race.”
The driver, sophomore Noah Ring, worked through a pileup to an overall ninth-place finish in a 22-lap race.
The team is looking forward to the spring racing season and are hopeful in having a second kart to race at that time!
High school EV sports programs and competitions like the EV Grand Prix at Purdue University encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation, all while fostering a commitment to sustainability. With every race, every design challenge, and every project, the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers is being trained.
