Harlem Formula 1 in Schools team wins state championship

Press release

Saturday, the Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, and the Montana Office of Public Instruction hosted the State F1 in Schools Competition on the Montana Tech Campus in Butte.

F1 in schools is a U.K.-based nonprofit that is designed to interest students from around the world in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - careers by involving them in a hands-on project using science and engineering principles and skills.

Over the course of the project, students developed a business plan, designed a car using Computer Aided Design, changed the designs to computer aided manufacturing instructions, machined the car from balsa wood using a Computer Numerical Control router, tested the model, and finally raced their carbon dioxide powered cars. Montana schools participating in this event included; Blackfeet Learning Academy, Corvallis, Harlem, Hays-Lodge Pole, Hot Springs, Libby, Noxon, Plains, Rocky Boy and Ronan to name a few.

The Harlem team - Harlem United - chose "Racing for a Cure" as their theme. Team members are co-team leaders Franki Taylor and Jazzamyn Benson; design engineer Damon Adams; manufacturing engineer Darrius Kulbeck; marketing manager Terron Gray; 3D printing specialist Sheldon Shields; graphic artist Shailee Fetter; and finish and assembly specialist Adrian Kulbeck.

Each team was judged in five different categories: Engineering Design, Portfolio Design, Pit Display, Verbal Presentation and Fastest Car.

The Harlem United team did extremely well as their car was only .02 seconds from being the fastest vehicle. Harlem United won first-place trophies for best engineering design and best pit display, as well as scoring most total points to earn the grand champion trophy.

Advisors and mentors of the Harlem United team are Craig Todd and Briayan Flores.

As winner of the state competition the Harlem United team has the opportunity to compete at the national level at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan, May 15-16.

Harlem United is currently seeking additional funds and sponsorship for the students to take part in this unique opportunity.