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Getting Ready for 2015

This school year we will be taking the Factory Five 818 car to a wind tunnel outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a car show located in downtown Philadelphia and to the Grand Prix located in the Watkins Glen, NY. As you can see, we have a very busy year.

We are taking the car to the Boeing wind tunnel because we want to learn about the car's drag and see how we can improve the aerodynamics of the 818 car. The better the aerodynamics, the better mileage we will get. Part of improving the aerodynamics is putting on a roof. Students working with Mr. Lumb and Mr. Greg have designed and built a carbon fiber roof.

We will also be exhibiting the 818 at the Philadelphia International Auto show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 31 to February 8, 2015. This will be an opportunity for all of the team members to meet some of the hundred thousand people who come to the Show.¬¬¬¬

Before we go to the Auto Show we have a lot to do. We need to do some repairs on the bumper and rocker panels and repaint the car. While the car will stay the same color, we want a smoother, sleeker finish.

Our big spring event is at the historic Watkins, Glen, NY race track where we will compete in the Green Grand Prix. The Green Grand Prix is an event that will have a two stage fuel efficiency competition for alternative fueled vehicles, hybrids, and traditional gasoline powered and diesel powered vehicles. Colleges, universities, car clubs, and individuals are all welcome to participate. This will be our third trip to the Green Grand Prix. We will keep you posted on what we are doing to try to win this competition.