Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 

Location: Dr. Kearney Middle School - Shop and Field Area

SD60 GoKart Rodeo: Applied Mechatronics & Fabrication Challenge

Far more than just a race, the SD60 GoKart Rodeo is the ultimate proving ground for Northern BC’s future industrial workforce. Hosted at Dr. Kearney Middle School, this full-day event challenges students to push the limits of mechanical engineering, EV drivetrains, and advanced autonomous robotics. We emphasize real-world industrial skills, rewarding teams that build durable, highly efficient machines capable of tackling the unique terrain and challenges of the Peace River region.

The Competition Divisions

The Rodeo is divided into two distinct, high-level divisions:

🏆 The Iron League (Human-Driven Fabrication) A brutal test of traditional mechanical engineering, welding, and structural design. Students fabricate heavily guarded, human-driven machines to compete in agility, torque, and heavy-hauling challenges. The Iron League features two distinct rivalries:

• The ICE Class: The mechanical purists. 212cc Internal Combustion Engines, focusing on fluid dynamics, gear ratios, and clutch tuning.

• The Lightning Class: The electric vanguard. 3kW+ EV platforms, focusing on battery management, instant torque, and controller programming.

🤖 The Sentinel League (Autonomous Robotics) The pinnacle of our mechatronics program. Students blur the line between heavy metal and cutting-edge software, building high-voltage, drive-by-wire autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs). These machines utilize RTK GPS, LiDAR, and ROS 2 to perform complex, automated tasks modeled directly on the needs of the local Oil & Gas and Forestry industries.

Industrial Rodeo Challenges

Here are the five safe and engineering-focused track challenges:

1. Station A: The Sprint Track

   • Focus: Ackermann steering geometry, quick chassis response, and acceleration.

2. Station B: The Haul / Maximum Torque Challenge

   • Focus: Utilizing a weighted sled to test raw pulling force, gear reduction, and drivetrain efficiency (Work Efficiency Index).

3. Station C: The Rough Terrain Gauntlet

   • Focus: Suspension articulation, ground clearance, and mechanical robustness over dirt mounds and spring-thaw conditions.

4. Station D: The Trailer Back-Up Challenge

   • Focus: Reverse kinematics and precision control. Drivers must reverse a small payload trailer through a curved course—a highly relevant skill for heavy transport and O&G.

5. Station E: The Running Track Speed Trial: Sustained Performance Test

• Focus: Stability and chassis balance under sustained speed. This event tests the reliability of the drivetrain and the quality of the team's alignment and steering tuning on a high-speed, controlled surface.

The Sentinel Fleet: A 4-Year Autonomous Roadmap 

To continuously push the boundaries of our students' capabilities, DKMS and SD60 are developing a multi-year, interconnected fleet of autonomous industrial machines:

• Year 1 (2026): The Wheeled Surveyor – A 5kW drive-by-wire mapping vehicle utilizing RTK GPS for autonomous navigation.

• Year 2 (2027): The Tracked Workhorse – A heavy-duty skid-steer platform designed for mud, featuring automated forestry seedling deployment.

• Year 3 (2028): The Articulated Forwarder – A center-articulated vehicle utilizing machine-vision and a robotic manipulator boom.

• Year 4 (2029): The Heavy Wrecker ("The House Robot") – A 4-wheel steer recovery vehicle utilizing V2V mesh networking to autonomously rescue stranded karts.

Quick Navigation Links

Use the menu below to find the specific details you need for the competition:

• Official Schedule: The complete 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM timeline, including mandatory inspection and event flow.

• Rules & Safety: The Technical Fabrication Inspection Checklist, track safety protocols, and guidelines for the Mobile Repair Unit.

• Official Rule Book: This rule book is the official guideline for the event. Any situation not explicitly covered will be decided by the Competition Director, Mr. McColm, whose ruling will be final.

• Open Run Tracks: An in-depth description of the five Open Run Challenges, including common failure modes

• Competition Scoring: The detailed breakdown of the Work Efficiency Index (WEI) formula and how all points are awarded.

• Invest in Your Future Workforce: Partner with SD60: We are seeking strategic partnerships with local industry leaders in Forestry, Heavy Transport, and Oil & Gas. By sponsoring the SD60 GoKart Rodeo, you aren't just buying a banner—you are directly investing in your own future talent pipeline. Ask us about our "Adopt-A-Bot" Fleet Sponsorships and priority access to our top mechatronics students.

Spectator Information

The most dynamic viewing period is the Open Run Challenge from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Students and community members are welcome to attend. Please respect all safety barriers and spectator zones marked on the field.