When the green flag dropped on the first annual Go Green Go Kart competition, 11 engines powered by electricity, french-fry grease and other creative fuels -- but not gasoline -- roared to life.
Eleven teams from schools all across Forsyth County had spent months preparing go-karts that run on alternative fuel. Ostensibly, the goal of the competition is to produce the fastest kart, but organizers know the greater goal is to introduce students to engineering using materials of the future.
"What we want is to ultimately bridge all the stuff that's academic and get it into hands-on experience," said Kai Ehnes, who organized the event.
The race isn't all about speed, though. It's also about innovation. At least one team constructed its electric-powered kart from light-weight and recyclable bamboo.
"Which ever teams have the best lap times will be the winner, but we consider everyone the winner today for coming out here and putting forth this effort. This is great," said Ehnes.
Eleven teams from schools all across Forsyth County had spent months preparing go-karts that run on alternative fuel. Ostensibly, the goal of the competition is to produce the fastest kart, but organizers know the greater goal is to introduce students to engineering using materials of the future.
"What we want is to ultimately bridge all the stuff that's academic and get it into hands-on experience," said Kai Ehnes, who organized the event.
The race isn't all about speed, though. It's also about innovation. At least one team constructed its electric-powered kart from light-weight and recyclable bamboo.
"Which ever teams have the best lap times will be the winner, but we consider everyone the winner today for coming out here and putting forth this effort. This is great," said Ehnes.
