On October 19th, 23 Makerclass students along with four electric go-karts they had built, and around 100 supporters gathered at Hampton Springs race track for the Auckland Regional E-Volocity Competition. This marked the first year of participation for the school’s four teams—Hornets, TTTeam, Goo Goo Ga Ga, and Lumino—in the predominantly High School event. The students had dedicated their time since March to designing, building, and testing their 350-watt electric motor-powered karts.
After successfully passing pre-race safety and engineering checks, the teams competed across three events: The 50meter Drag Race, the 3-lap GymKhana Agility Event, and the 6km Endurance Race.
NX Hornets: The Star Performer
The NX Hornets, a mixed team of Year 7 and 8 students, focused all year on creating the fastest three-wheeled vehicle. Their efforts paid off spectacularly in the Standard Kart category—the region’s largest and most contested—where they achieved a Podium Finish in every event they entered.
They secured two special category wins: Best in Engineering and the Showstopper Award. In the racing events, their remarkable performance led to Overall Placing Award (1st), Overall Vehicle Performance (1st), Endurance 6km Race (1st) Gymkhana (1st), Drag race (2nd) and Power Efficiency (2nd).
NX TTTeam and Goo Goo Ga Ga
The NX TTTeam, a fast group focused on safety and speed, consistently challenged the race leaders. Comprised mostly of Year 7 students, the team gained hands-on experience in welding, grinding, and engineering a highly maneuverable machine. The team plans to focus on more driver practice for next year’s competition.
NX Goo Goo Ga Ga, which boldly attempted to transform a baby’s pram into a race kart, was recognized for its innovative design, securing Second Place in the Engineering category. A notable feature was the student-designed, CAD-created, and 3D-printed mesh cogs, that effectively transferred the handlebar steering action to the front wheel.
NX Lumino: The Resilient Contender
The NX Lumino team showcased impressive resilience throughout the day. Despite facing significant mechanical challenges, including a snapped back driving axle, a melted fuse, and a broken drive chain; the team ensured their kart was running on the start line for every single event, demonstrating great teamwork and determination.
The Teams extended a heartfelt thank you to their parent engineering advisers, parent supporters, and the many companies whose sponsorship, advice, and facilities were crucial to getting the karts on the track. Key business supporters included Studio You, LaserForce Auckland, AMCOR, Time Zone Wairau, Nellene – Interior & Surface Design, Kart Sport Auckland, Swift Pro Engineering, ANZOR, Auckland Bike Hubs, The Mens Shed, Steel Northshore, Euro Design, Phoenix Metalman, Steelworks Limited, and Dragoncove3D.
Daniel Wyatt and Adam Martin – Teachers in charge
