The first race of 2019 is in the books. What a start to the new year. New teams, new cars, old cars, spin outs, chains coming off, electrical wiring disasters. Just another race day.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tj92rufxbnjlbkg/AADfbY6cohww4_nQ7UAtY9Ova?dl=0

We want to thank Chris Hart of Wharton, our host, and the Wharton Administration for allowing us to use their facilities. Thank You Chris for doing a fundraiser as the hotdogs and burgers were much appreciated.

A shout out to Larry Plank from the Hillsborough Count Public School front office for stopping by to see the races.

A special thanks to Ryan Norden (Middleton Alumni) for helping with set up and for being our race steward for the day.

In the Advanced Battery Class it was USF racing against themselves. At the start of the first race the USF 132 car (John’s) was in the pits with wiring problems where it spent the whole race. They did make it to the second race and appears to be getting the bugs worked out so they can challenge others in their class. The USF 48 car (Sai) started the first race and did well, the batteries were not charged enough to start the second race at line up but did make it onto the track. It still placed 1st in class. They took advantage of points strategy to keep their class lead.

In the Open Class it was the Tiger #4 car in a class by itself. Rodney did well in the first race but had to withdraw part way thru the second race, not something that happens often to our 20+ year racer.

The High School Class had a new team and two new cars from the I Will Mentorship Foundation (IWMF) out of Ft Myers. They get the prize for the Best Team Trailer and Tow Vehicle combo. The team looked good and put on a good show of team work. They took 4th place with their 139 car. It is a modified Blue Sky car. They had chain problems that kept them out of the top 3. Their second car the #28 and a loaner from ETO had a problem with the wiring harness going into the wheel motor and despite the best efforts of many hands was not repairable. New teams with new cars tend to have problems early on and they did a great job of working thru them. We look forward to seeing them at all of our races.

The Brooks teams #55 car was plagued with problems and finished in the 5th spot. They are a strong and hard working team.

The teams from Mulberry and Simmons continue to battle it out for the top three spots. Mulberry had a 50/50 day with the 83 car having a bad battery day and finishing in the pits and their 38 car finishing 1st overall in the class. The Simmons team 35 car finishing hot on the bumper of Mulberry and the 53 car not far behind. Seven points separates the Simmons and Mulberry teams with Mulberry holding the upper hand.

As Seen In The Pits. There were many challenges during the course of the race day and I want to commend ALL THE TEAMS for jumping in and helping each other. On the track it was go go go. In the pits it was help each other to get back onto the track all day. This is what Electrathon of Tampa Bay is all about.

Our next race is our showcase race. We will be at the University Of South Florida College of Engineering Expo on February 15-16. Friday, February 15th will be a static display by some of our teams. Saturday, February 16th will be THE BIG RACE. 10 AM and 1 PM. WE hope to see everyone there. We will be setting up the course Friday late afternoon and any/all extra hands will be appreciated. Coordinate with Charlie.

On another note: The Electrathon of Tampa Bay Board Members present, voted Ryan Norden onto the Executive Board as an Intern to learn the operations of the organization. Welcome Back Ryan!

Vic