Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs)
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2008 Schools Handbook

Entrants design, build and compete, using a vehicle powered solely by human power. The event specifications direct the construction of the vehicle - including safety, dimensions, steering regulations, lighting and warning device requirements.

Leading teams can complete almost 900kms in 24 hours, with advanced materials such as carbon fibre, kevlar and titanium infiltrating vehicle designs. But its not just about the cutting edge - just the opportunity to participate keeps many teams coming back year after year!

The primary school event begins on the Friday on the Holden track with the teams having a mandatory rest overnight, racing for a total of 14 hours.

The secondary schools race begins on the Saturday afternoon on the RACV circuit, with a practice session on the Friday night. The start of the race is actually the end of a long journey for all of the teams, many of whom have worked throughout the year to fine tune their machines and bodies for just 24 hours of racing.

Entrants must:

• Design and build a vehicle ‘from a clean sheet’;
• Develop or adapt a vehicle from an existing design; or
• Liaise with local industry or community groups to design and build a machine.

Commercially designed vehicles are not acceptable and the school principal may be required to sign a declaration indicating the level of student involvement in the design and construction and also sign their driver education license.