Solar and lithium ion car race winners announced

Ninety-seven teams from 28 Colorado schools participated in last week's car competitions hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

The student teams raced solar and lithium ion powered vehicles they designed and built themselves.

Trophies for the fastest lithium-ion powered model cars were given to Colorado students from University School, Greeley, "Lucky Charms," first place; Southern Hills Middle School, Boulder, "Fat Albert,", second place; and Southern Hills, "Green Spartan," third place.

Three lithium-ion design trophies based on technology, craftsmanship and innovation were given to teams from Lincoln Academy Middle School, Arvada, "The Nerds," first place; Sabin Middle School, Colorado Springs, second place; and Woodlands Academy, Castle Rock, "Sodium the Salt Truck," third place.

Trophies for the fastest solar powered model cars were given to students from STEM School and Academy, Highlands Ranch, "#2", first place; Bell Middle School, Golden, "Swerve Logo," second place; and Lincoln Academy Middle School Arvada, "Terminators," third place.

Three solar design trophies based on technology, craftsmanship and innovation were given to teams Woodlands Academy, Castle Rock, "Sweet and Sassy," first place; Woodlands Academy, "Ghetto Gecko," second place; and Logan School, Denver, "Electric Engineers," third place.

The "Sweet and Sassy" team from Woodlands Academy in Castle Rock was awarded the Spirit Award for exhibiting good sportsmanship, including fairness and respectful behavior.

NREL's Junior Solar Sprint and Lithium Ion Battery car competitions are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy's Golden Field Office, Jefferson County Public Schools, Planet Honda, Dakota Ridge High School, Rocky Mountain Bottled Water, the Alliance for Sustainable Energy and NREL.