Aaron Beam, a senior at Beloit High, is enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at NCK Tech this year and, as part of the program, is driving the NCK electric race car.  The car is one of many ElectroRally cars competing in the Electrathon Series, where teams “race” electric cars to see how many laps can be completed on a course in a set period of time.  The challenge comes not only from designing the car, but also from running consistent laps to conserve battery life.

Teams from multiple schools compete at each event. For Beam, who has competed in two races, the NCK Tech Automotive Technology II students are providing pit crew support.

In the September 26th race in Hays, Beam completed 69 laps, in the allotted 60 minutes, to win the first place trophy. The Hoisington High team placed second, with 66 laps completed, and Scott City High earned third place.

On October 5th , Beam competed in the Hodgeman County race in Hanston KS.  During the first race, Scott City High set a new track distance record of 107 laps, breaking the 101 lap record set by Beloit High last year.  In the second race, Beam beat the newly-established record of 110 laps in the allotted time for the win.  Scott City placed second and Hays High earned third place.

The Electrathon series will suspend racing during the winter months and will begin the 2014 spring racing series on April 17th with the Touchstone Energy ElectroRally at NCK Tech in Beloit.  Other race dates and locations are

• The Sunflower ElectroRally, April 23rd at Scott City
• The Western Tech ElectroRally, May 2nd in Hays (held in conjunction with Fort Hays State Technology Day).

The Beloit High Team will also be racing in the Nebraska Power Drive Series in the spring of 2014.