The University will kick off the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 with the inaugural Purdue Collegiate Electric Vehicle GrandPrix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 7.
Up to 50 colleges, including three British universities, will compete at the maiden Purdue Collegiate evGrandPrix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The Purdue evGrandPrix will precede the intercollegiate race by a week. Danny White, Purdue's Motorsports Outreach Specialist, said about 3,000 people are expected to attend the event, which is 1000 more than the inaugural race last year. White also expects 30 in-state teams consisting of five members each to attend.
"The entry list is a bit larger," White said. "About twice the entries of our inaugural season. We have some advances in technology and chassis setup is being introduced this year. The safety has improved two to three times."
This year's vehicles have newer, more powerful batteries and battery management systems that will improve performance and safety over the 100-lap, 33-mile race.
Another novelty offered at the Grand Prix is an opportunity for competitors in the gas Grand Prix race to convert their motors into green electric vehicle carts. Some teams have already shown interest and will compete in both the gas and electric vehicle race.
Unlike the gas Grand Prix, the electric vehicle race emphasizes design, speed and ecological friendliness. The winner of the race is based on 40 percent race placement, 20 percent design documentation, 20 percent energy conservation and 20 percent community outreach.
"The race is a Purdue-run educational event," said Brandi Benda, a sophomore in the undergraduate studies program and the Purdue motorsports association treasurer. "We are a staff-led, student-driven green group."
White emphasized that the green race draws a family-friendly crowd and encourages students to invite family members to showcase their academic accomplishments. The race is also the University's attempt to push green technology and innovation.
"The karts make no noise, release no toxic exhaust or smell like lawn mower engines," White said. "You can hear the announcer, the squealing tires, the karts banging each other and occasionally students expressing their dissatisfaction with other drivers.
"Purdue now has working relationships with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IZOD Indy Car Series, Indy Lights, HVM Motorsports and Dallara. So Purdue University is now involved in motorsports and in a very big way."
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