With the rising prices of gas and concerns for the environment, the importance of achieving maximum gas mileage has increased. Therefore, IMSTEA has teamed up with several partners, including the Indiana Department of Education, to host the 2006 Indiana Super Mileage Challenge.

Students from across Indiana have designed and built vehicles that they will drive around the IRP oval in the competition today. Each vehicle is a one-man, fuel-efficient car powered by a single cylinder four-stroke cycle engine. The race will last 10 laps at an average of 15 miles per hour. After each race, the gas tank is weighed, and mileage is calculated. Teams can race as many times as they want, and the best three attempts are averaged for their official score.

Forty-nine schools have submitted entries to the challenge. Awards will be given to the team with the best score in the race as well as for best integration of mathematics, science, and technology into the design and construction of the vehicle, best design, craftsmanship, sportsmanship, teamwork, and closest to estimated performance.

For more information, visit www.imstea.org.