Purdue Prepares For Speedway Events
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPurdue University says it will sponsor two events this month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The school is organizing a science, technology, engineering and math fair and an electric vehicle grand prix.
May 1, 2015
News Release
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University will have a strong presence at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month, sponsoring a two-day STEM fair for students and the fifth annual Purdue International Electric Vehicle Grand Prix.
The M-STEM3 500 will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 and 12 at IMS. It is an outgrowth of M-STEM, a program designed to use motorsports to interest middle- and high school students in science, technology, engineering and math careers.
M-STEM evolved into M-STEM3 because it combines motorsports, advanced manufacturing and medical manufacturing.
During the M-STEM3 500, students will have an opportunity to talk with employers about careers in STEM fields. They also will be able to meet Indianapolis 500 drivers, experience live demonstrations and, weather permitting, watch race practice.
Currently, 700 students are expected to attend. Schools wishing to bring students to the fair can register at http://www.purdue.edu/engagement/academics/mstem-register.php.
Sponsors of the M-STEM3 500 along with Purdue are IMS, General Motors, Dallara, Indiana Manufacturers Association, Conexus, Vincennes University, Lincoln College of Technology, Ivy Tech, EmployIndy, Firestone Racing, Major Tool, Allison Transmission, Edge Factor, Gene Haas Foundation, Mastercam, Indiana Department of Education, United States Auto Club (USAC) and EVC Racing.
This year, the Purdue International evGrandPrix will be a USAC-sanctioned event for the first time.
Thirty-two teams will race electric-powered karts at IMS. They will come from across the United States and from the University of Windsor in Canada and the University of Kuwait.
In addition to race performance, evGrandPrix scoring is based on energy efficiency and engineering design.
A $10 general admission ticket to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is required to attend.
The evGrandPrix is an outgrowth of the Indiana Advanced Electric Vehicle Training and Education Consortium (I-AEVtec), which has developed degree and training programs for the electric-vehicle industry.
USAC is one of the sanctioning bodies of auto racing in the United States, including the Silver Crown Series, National Sprint Car Series, National Midget Series, Ignite Ethanol Fuel Series, .25 Midget Series, and Traxxas TORC Series.
Source: Purdue University