Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of the CVRT?

You must be enrolled in Newburgh Free Academy in grades 9-12. Any student can join no matter your skill level, knowledge level, or grade level! In September there will be a survey that all interested students and returning members must complete. This survey will ask basic information about their class schedules, extracurricular activities, and skills.

Is this the solar car? Where are the solar panels?

Unfortunately, we do not race solar cars anymore. 2008 was the last year that we participated in a solar power event. Due to the lack of industry research, solar cars are not a feasable alternative to fossil fuel or electric vehicles. Research has shifted towards designing energy efficient vehicles that go further distances on less fuel. Our club has made this transition from a vehicle that produces its own energy to the energy efficiency vehicles that we are currently racing.

How fast do the vehicles go?

While racing at the Shell Eco Marathon, vehicles are not allowed to travel over a speed of 40 kilometers per hour (25pmh). Or vehicles have the ability to go slightly faster than that and can be modified depending on the gear ratio.

Who gets to go on the tips for the Shell Eco Marathon

Students are selected based on the number of years that they participated in the club, number of hours that they attend meetings, and on their overall skill level. This gives us a list of eligible CVRT members. From this list we look at the attendance records and students cannot be on the 93% list, meaning that they must regularly attend all classes. All of these factors are taken into consideration when selecting students to attend a trip.

Will this help me get into college?

NFA's Concept Vehicle Racing Team is know around the world by prestigious universities and colleges for producing students with high level 21st century skills. These skills include working with composite materials, metal fabrication, advanced sketching and 3D modeling skills, and automotive engineering. If you plan to go to college and study some sort of engineering, this club is for you!