Annual solar and battery powered car race speeds into action
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Middle school students from the northern Colorado region are called to race in the seventh annual solar and battery model car competition, the NoCo Time Trials, hosted by Platte River Power Authority (Platte River).
“This event continues to offer northern Colorado students a hands‑on introduction to solar and battery technology, as well as a window into the evolving technologies being utilized in our energy transition,” said Jason Frisbie, general manager and CEO of Platte River. “Our hope is that even more students are inspired to pursue education and careers in the energy sector. Supporting the next generation is essential as our industry navigates an era of rapid innovation and transformation.”
Registration to participate in this year’s NoCo Time Trials is currently open, with the event taking place at Platte River’s headquarters campus in Fort Collins on Saturday, May 2. Northern Colorado middle school teams who register on or before Monday, Feb. 23, will receive model car kits from Platte River.
In addition, two participating students will each be awarded a $1,500 stipend that will be released when the student graduates and commits to pursuing higher education in a STEM-related field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Students are selected through a competitive process that includes an essay submission. This will be the third year Platte River offers the NoCo Time Trials Scholarship.
“The NoCo Time Trials gives Platte River a meaningful way to connect with middle school students and support their schools,” said Tim Blodgett, chief strategy officer at Platte River. “Seeing participation grow year after year reinforces exactly what we’ve been striving for, and it’s why we’re committed to donating to each participating school’s STEM program. We want to encourage students’ continued curiosity, while providing a competition to fuel learning and innovation.”
The deadline for middle schools to sign up and guarantee receipt of car kits is Monday, Feb. 23. Platte River will provide car kits to educators at an information session to be scheduled in early March. For more information about the competition, visit prpa.org/noco-time-trials.