Electrathon America

[Functional Artist]

Hey guys (& gals), check out Electrathon America, it looks super kool
...& would be a great father (or mom) & son (or daughter) project
...&/or a good way for folks to get into electric powered karts

Electrathon America

Our MISSION: To inspire an interest in Science, Engineering, and Technology by involving participants in the design, construction, testing and development of competitive electric vehicles.

COMPETITION OBJECTIVES

1. To drive electrically powered vehicles as far as possible in one hour on a closed loop course with limited electrical energy.
2. To provide a forum where skill and ingenuity may be displayed, compared and tested.
3. To improve public awareness and understanding of efficient alternative electric vehicles and related technologies.
4. To create an affordable sport defined by established rules in which Schools, Individuals and Corporate Teams can participate competitively and safely.

VEHICLES
Electrathon vehicles are single person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high efficiency, electric vehicles with three or four pneumatic tires. They must meet specific design and safety rules. They are powered by standard sealed (won’t leak if damaged) lead acid battery packs not exceeding the weight limit specified in the vehicle design rules section.

SAFETY
Safety is of key concern at all events. The design of the vehicles is only one variable in the safety of an event. A pre-race inspection of the vehicles is required to ensure they are safe. Event courses must be free from obstructions, and ensure participants and spectators are not in harms way. These are just some of the sanctioning regulations. For these safety reasons local Event Organizers, Promoters, and Event Stewards may not make ANY changes to the Electrathon America Design and Event Rules other than where specific guidelines for deviation are listed. To be an Electrathon America Sanctioned Event, the Event Rules must be enforced during the event and all vehicles participating in the event must meet current Vehicle Design rules.

MEMBERSHIP
A Competitor Membership is required for those wishing to compete in sanctioned Electrathon America events. It includes number registration for one vehicle, one Handbook, and one vote on any suggested rule changes that are presented by the Electrathon America Board during the Event Season. The membership voting rights also include the vote to appoint Electrathon America Board Members. The membership application form is available at the back of this handbook. All memberships are valid for the Event Season during which they are paid. The event season is from January 1st to December 31st. All rule changes approved by member vote will take effect January 1 of each event year. Rule changes will be published in the on-line Handbook as they are approved, at www.ElectrathonAmerica.org Members are encouraged to communicate with the Electrathon America Director nearest to your location. The Board of Directors list is available at www.ElectrathonAmerica.org Regional representatives are encouraged to participate as advisors to the Electrathon America board. Member surveys are used as needed to solicit opinion on rules and policy from the membership.

TheVehicle Design Rules are maintained by Electrathon America and enforced at sanctioned events.They are provided to promote safe and fair competition. Since safety is of key concern these rules should be considered minimum requirements. These rules will be in force and these requirements must be maintained during the entire competition. Any vehicle should be able to pass inspection at any time during a competition.

Experimentation of design and ingenuity are encouraged, but keep in mind the intent of safe competition for the driver and the other participants of an event. If a new concept is being attempted that does not fit the rules exactly it may be wise to contact an event official or an Officer of Electrathon America before proceeding with construction. It would be unfortunate to complete a vehicle and then have it disqualified at a competition. Please remember that safety is a primary goal.

To better understand these rules and how they are enforced, please read the Event section that follows.

Here is a link to the rule book

https://www.electrathonamerica.org/_files/ugd/032d61_48cfe45eccb445eeb4d22f11d1e0bebb.pdf

 

[Denny]

Are gas or diesel engines allowed?

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

What about hydrogen, natural gas or propane? I like my explosions inside the engine.

 

[Functional Artist]

I'll have to direct yous guys to rule

14 MOTOR and TRANSMISSION
1. Vehicles must only be powered by electric motors.

 

[Functional Artist]

Here is some of the rule book

1 DIMENSIONS
1. Minimum track (the distance the tires are apart) on at least one axle, is 2 feet center to center.
2. Maximum vehicle width is 4 feet at its widest point when the steering system is positioned as if driving in a straight line.
3. Maximum vehicle length is 12 feet.

2 CONFIGURATION
1. All vehicles must be three-wheeled (cycle- car or tricycle) or four wheeled. Any configuration is allowed. All wheels must be load bearing, and remain in contact with the ground at all times, even under hard cornering conditions.

3 FRAME / FRAME MEMBERS
1. All vehicles must have frame members that protect the driver in the event of collisions from any direction.
2. Frames may be constructed of various materials and styles providing that the material(s) or methods provide adequate structural strength for protection/safety. The design will need to be structurally sound in the opinion of inspectors and/or race officials.

4 ROLL BAR
1. The roll bar must protect the driver's head/helmet in the event of a roll-over. It must be tall and wide enough to do this considering the full range of possible movement. (See drawing.)
2. The roll bar structure must be triangulated with at least three legs or panel equivalent. Triangulated bracing can be either forward or rearward.With three legs bracing must extend from the top of the roll bar and securely attach to the vehicle structure, with four legs, each of the braces must extend to within 4" of the top. Any roll bar that is constructed from more than one continuous piece must be reinforced and braced triangularly from all junctions/joints in addition to the top.
3. The roll bar structure must appear to be sturdy enough to withstand the vehicle being dropped, upside down, from an altitude of one foot, with the driver inside without failure. MAX 4' MIN 2' 4 WHEEL CYCLE-CAR TRICYCLE P A G E 6 E L E C T R A T H O N A M E R I C A
4. The driver’s helmet must be below a straight line drawn from the top of the roll bar to the top of the highest structural point when the driver is securely belted in driving position. (see drawing).
5. Composite or monocoque vehicles with integral rollover protection must meet comparable strength and clearance requirements

5 VEHICLE BODY
1. All vehicles must provide a body/chassis structure sufficient to protect the driver from impact from any side. A suitable structure or shell is required to provide a barrier between the driver and any contact with another vehicle or the ground.
2. This body or structure needs to protect the driver's legs, feet, and side up to shoulderlevel protecting the rib cage from side impact.
3. The legs and feet must be enclosed to prevent them from leaving the vehicle in an accident and provide protection against a frontal impact.
4. If the chassis contains a structural shell sufficient to protect the driver,then any body provided need not be structural. However, under no circumstancesis the body to be made of cardboard, paper or any material that becomes weak when wet. Materials that are brittle, or produce sharp edges when broken (e.g. Plexiglas or brittle acrylic panels) are also not allowed.
5. A body is not required if the frame or chassis shell will prevent the driver's arms and legs from leaving the vehicle and prevent another vehicle's parts from entering the vehicle during an accident.
6. The vehicle must not have any sharp edges, corners or protrusions that could cause injury. Any questionable exposed portion of the vehicle should be cut off,rounded off or bluntedwith durable padding.
7. The nose area must have a minimum radius of 3 inches (6 inch diameter) in atleast one direction and not be dangerously pointed in the other direction.
8. The vehicle must have a fixed floor pan of solid-rigid material that prevents any part of the driver's body from contacting the ground.

6 STABILITY
1. All vehicles must demonstrate stability at rest, while cornering, braking and at top speed.
2. Driver contact with the ground cannot be used forstability.
3.Vehicles must be positively balanced and stable at all times while moving and at rest. Stability is critical for safety and must be maintained in off- camberturns,high-banked corners and in windy conditions.

7 LEANING VEHICLES
1. Leaning vehicles are permitted provided the driver is not required to balance the vehicle and stability requirements are met.
2. Leaning vehicles must use a mechanical device for actuation.
3. Vehicles which lean must have the ability to lock outthe leaning capability of the vehicle for driver access and exit.

8 STEERING
1. Steering must permit a turning circle diameter of less than 50 feet curb to curb.
2. Any steering system must be well constructed and provide reliable steering action withoutlooseness or binding.

9 BRAKES and AXLES
1. At least two wheels must have brakes.
2. Brakes must be fitted to two wheels of the same axle. Either both front wheels or both rear wheels depending on vehicle construction.
3. The two brakes must have separate actuation cables. If both brakes are to be actuated by a single hand or foot lever then both cables should be attached to the lever.
4. Regenerative braking is permitted in addition to conventional brakes.
5. The vehicle must not roll if pushed while brakes are applied. The vehicle must also be able to demonstrate a straight stop from a speed of 25 MPH in less than 40 feet.
6. Axles supported at both ends must have a diameter of at least 3/8"(10mm).
7. Axles supported only on one end must have a diameter at least ½"(12mm)
8. Safety wire or cotter pins must be used to secure cantilevered wheel axle nuts. Nylon lock nuts and double nuts alone are not acceptable.

 

[Functional Artist]

10 WHEELS and TIRES
1. Tires must be a pneumatic (inflatable) type.
2. Wheels and tires of any diameter or width may be used.
3. The minimum ground clearance is to be judged by the cars ability to roll over a 2x2 that is milled to be 1½” x 1½”. This is to prevent the vehicle from sliding on the ground in the event of failure of any or all of the tires.
4. While in driving position the driver's body must not be able to come in contact with tires, wheels or spokes.

11 BATTERIES
1. Batteries must be lead acid only. Only batteries that will not leak if punctured,such as gel cell or AGM (Absorptive Glass Mat) will be allowed to participate at events in practice or in competition.
2. Battery number and voltage is not limited, but must meet specified weight limits, or must be the accepted battery types listed.
3. Batteries must display all original manufacturer's labels.
4. Batteries must be commercially retailed and available to any competitor. Custom built or specialized batteries are not allowed.
5. Batteries must be stock and unmodified in any way, and meet all conditions of the manufacturer's written warranty.
6. Total battery weight can not exceed 73 pounds. Total battery weight includes any batteries used for controls actuation, or functioning of the vehicle. Computers, radios or similar equipment are not included.
7. Batteries cannot be exchanged or recharged from an outside source during a competition. Batteries may be recharged by regenerative braking, or, in the Solar Class, through use of solar panels. 8. Batteries must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner to withstand an impact or roll-over.

12 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. A fuse or circuit breakerisrequired in any electrical circuit between the battery and any electrical device.
2. All fuses or circuit breakers should be mounted as close as practically possible to the source of power.
3. All fuses or breakers should be sized to protect the wiring to which they are connected. The currentrating of fuses and breakers shall be no more than those listed in the adjacent table forstandard automotive cable.

13 ISOLATION SWITCH
1. An isolation switch (kill switch) is required on all vehicles.This switch must have a break current rating that exceeds the maximum current draw of the vehicle.
2. The switch must be located in the main positive power cable between the battery and any motor controller.
3. An actuator may be attached to the switch for remote operation provided that it is durable and reliable.
4. Means must be provided for both the driver and race officials to actuate an isolation switch.
5. The driver must be able to actuate the switch while in driving position and without reaching outside the vehicle.
6. Race officials must be able to actuate the switch from outside the vehicle without reaching in.
7. Two switches may be installed if necessary.
8. A circuit breaker may be used as the isolation switch.
9. The switch or actuator accessible from outside the vehicle must be mounted within a solid red triangle whose sides are at least 4 inches and in contrast to vehicle color or graphics.
10. Wiring must be well insulated and securely attached to the frame or body. All wiring must be kept free from moving parts and protected from chafing.
11. Wiring that passes through a hole with sharp edges or through sheet metal must be protected by an insulating grommet or other suitable device.
12. Terminals must be secured so they will not come loose or short out during a competition.
13. No part of the electrical system may use the vehicle frame as a conductor. The frame must not be grounded.

14 MOTOR and TRANSMISSION
1. Vehicles must only be powered by electric motors.
2. All gears, chains, and sprockets must be covered if they could cause injury to the driver or others in the event of mechanical failure.

15 MOTOR CONTROLLER
1. Any type of power (speed) controller is allowed.
2. Power to the motor must be controlled by the driver, and turn off automatically when the driver releases the accelerator (”dead man” cut-off). 3. Remote control of a vehicle is not permitted.
4. Computers on or off the vehicle are legal systems if they present information only. The driver must have complete manual control of the vehicle and make all operational adjustments.

 

[Denny]

Ok, but can you have a gas or diesel engine powering the electric motor?

 

[Thepartsguy]

Ok, but can you have a gas or diesel engine powering the electric motor?

I have a few giant Westinghouse motors and that’s a good question. pulley On each side output would be easy.

 

[Functional Artist]

Ok, but can you have a gas or diesel engine powering the electric motor?

Sure
...but, it would give your kart a huge disadvantage

This is such a kool concept
...I can't believe some of you guys aren't interested in (& encouraging) this a bit more

Electrathon America

Our MISSION: To inspire an interest in Science, Engineering, and Technology by involving participants in the design, construction, testing and development of competitive electric vehicles.

COMPETITION OBJECTIVES

1. To drive electrically powered vehicles as far as possible in one hour on a closed loop course with limited electrical energy.
2. To provide a forum where skill and ingenuity may be displayed, compared and tested.
3. To improve public awareness and understanding of efficient alternative electric vehicles and related technologies.
4. To create an affordable sport defined by established rules in which Schools, Individuals and Corporate Teams can participate competitively and safely.

I'm goinna build one (or some )
...& challenge you'alls to join me

Electric vehicles are the future
...& this would be a great way to teach & help the younger generation understand more about this "way of the future"
...on the small (small, light vehicles with small, low voltage battery packs)
...& even help some of our older members understand more of what these new-fangled things, are all about

 

[Functional Artist]

FYI:
Here are the record holders for Electrathon America

Yes, that top kart went 62.1 miles, in (1) hour
...so, that would indicate that the karts top speed was...maybe ~70MPH
...& they indicate that it is the equivalent of getting ~2,370 MPG

Q:
How far can you all's go in your karts in (1) hour?
...or on (1) gallon of gasoline?

 

[BaconBitRacing]

FYI:
Here are the record holders for Electrathon America
View attachment 141338
Yes, that top kart went 62.1 miles, in (1) hour
...so, that would indicate that the karts top speed was...maybe ~70MPH
...& they indicate that it is the equivalent of getting ~2,370 MPG

Q:
How far can you all's go in your karts in (1) hour?
...or on (1) gallon of gasoline?

Is this a challenge? Karl get on it! All joking aside this sounds like quite the cool program, I hope it catches on.

 

[Functional Artist]

Is this a challenge?

Yup,
...& the testing procedure is such an easy concept
...how far can you go in (1) hour.

Here are the track requirements

&

&

Seems to me like this type of a course could be set up almost anywhere
...& now with video, many folks, from many & vary distant places, could easily test & share their results

All joking aside this sounds like quite the cool program, I hope it catches on.

Yup,

It surprises me how so much of this sport aligns with our DIYGK attitude

Iconic go karting

 

[BaconBitRacing]

You think I could get Charlotte Motor Speedway?

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

We are culturally forcing electric vehicles to be "the future" rather than allowing the marketplace to decide. The problem is the people who are pushing this think the general population are akin to apes. There is a trail of money here that will explain this sudden push for EV's, and someday we'll all know better of it.

 

[BaconBitRacing]

We are culturally forcing electric vehicles to be "the future" rather than allowing the marketplace to decide. The problem is the people who are pushing this think the general population are akin to apes. There is a trail of money here that will explain this sudden push for EV's, and someday we'll all know better of it.

Shut down the electric grid and everyone is stuck within 300 miles. Why don't we innovate with hydrogen? Despite the electric only of this program I think it's a good one, an interesting concept, to say the least.

 

[Functional Artist]

We are culturally forcing electric vehicles to be "the future" rather than allowing the marketplace to decide. The problem is the people who are pushing this think the general population are akin to apes. There is a trail of money here that will explain this sudden push for EV's, and someday we'll all know better of it.

OMG
...just build a kart
...& test it
...or even test your current (he...he) I mean existing kart

You may even have some fun while doing it
...& if you're not careful, you might even learn something

 

[Functional Artist]

Dawn Patrol
Thermal count is rising
In perpetual writhing
The primordial ooze
And the sanity they lose

Awakened in the morning
To more air pollution warnings
Still we sleepwalk off to work
While our n-n-n-nervous systems jerk

Pretending not to notice
How history had forebode us
With the greenhouse in effect
Our environment was wrecked

Now I can only laugh
As I read our epitaph
We end our lives as moles
In the dark of dawn patrol

Dave Mustane/Megadeth

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

By all means, zap on.

 

[Functional Artist]

You think I could get Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Maybe...if you build an Electrathon car
...& need a place to test it...just maybe

This Electrathon racecourse was set up in & run thru a brewery
...& here is a "ride along" type video

 

[Functional Artist]

New York State Electrathon