The NoCo Time Trials use car rules that were originally developed by NREL, now NRL, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, for the annual state competition. While this race is no longer taking place, the organization has opted to host a transportation and mobility expo that continues to inspire young minds.

Platte River’s sponsorship includes:

• A minimum of two car kits provided to each participating school, one solar-powered and one battery-powered kit
• An opportunity for teams to race their model cars in a fun and engaging environment
• Grant funds provided to participating schools to support STEM programs
• Recognition for the fastest solar- and battery-powered car and the best engineering design in a given bracket
• A teacher/coach training workshop to show:
  • How to build and race model cars
  • How to modify a standard model car so it will race faster
  • How the competition aligns with Colorado’s state science and engineering standards

Requirements to participate:

• Solar car bracket: each participating team of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students must build a solar car using one of the Pitsco Education’s Ray Catcher Solar Vehicle Kits based on the specifications under the car competition rules. See rules and regulations.
• Battery car bracket: each participating team must build a lithium-ion-powered car based on the specifications established by the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) under the car competition rules. See rules and regulations.
• Schools can field multiple teams at NoCo Time Trials
• Teams must be sponsored by their school – public, private or charter (likely a science or STEM class or program)
• Teams may be sponsored by local organizations with STEM clubs
• Students must build the model race car within specific guidelines, but modifications are highly encouraged to foster engineering creativity and innovation

How to participate:

Interested middle school teachers/coaches must contact Platte River Power Authority with their commitment of team(s). Teachers will then be added to the list of participating schools and will receive information about car kits, teacher workshops and race details.

Sign up your team(s)

Once your registration is received, a member of the Platte River team will contact you to confirm participation. Platte River will regularly communicate with teams and teachers to keep everyone informed regarding activities and events.

Note: Teachers, teams and parents will be responsible for any transportation and lodging expenses associated with the teacher/coach workshops and participation in the NoCo Time Trials and/or the statewide car competition.