Evolocity Success

On Saturday 23rd November four students, two parents and the students' mentor from Ōtaki College departed for Hamilton to compete in the Evolocity Electric Vehicle National Competition. Over the year the students had designed, built, trialled and modified, then spent many hours training in and on their vehicles. In September they did extremely well in the Lower North Island Regional Competition, winning 11 out of the 12 races they entered in, easily qualifying all three vehicles for the National Finals.

 Sunday, race day, saw an early start with scrutineering of the vehicles and driver safety gear starting at 7:30am, then a full day of racing with over 60 vehicles entered, the best in their regions from throughout NZ. Ōtaki College did very well, once again, taking out three national titles; 1st in Open class bikes for the drag race, 1st in Open class bikes for the Street Circuit and 1st in 350W bikes for the Street Circuit. They were also in the top 5 for; Open class bikes - Economy run, 350W carts - Gymkhana, Open class bikes - Gymkhana and 350W carts - Street Circuit.

 The students, Manawatoa Nakhla, Sam Georgetti, William Fogden and Harrison Gould, had a great time, were supportive of each other, and other teams, and learnt a lot of Science, Technology and Engineering skills over the year.

 Thanks to Fletcher Construction,  Ōtaki Rotary,  Ōtaki Community Board and Evolocity for their financial assistance in building the vehicles and getting the Ōtaki College team to Hamilton.