RACV Energy Breakthrough :: Gisborne SC makes the switch from human power to pedal + electric

Gisborne SC makes the switch from human power to pedal + electric (2009)

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Gisborne Secondary College are making their debut in the Hybrid event after pedal-powered years. Why? Because their students wanted the challenge!

Earlier this year, Paul Caleja's students came to him and gave him the word: "We want to do hybrids this year." Now Paul (pictured here in the red jumper) has been the RACV Energy Breakthrough co-ordinator at Gisborne for a long time, but he'd never before attempted power sources other than pedal. "They told me they wanted the extra challenge." Paul told us at the recent Pre-Scrutineering Day at the RACV in Noble Park. "If we'd known what was involved we might not have said yes!" he explained. "There is just so much more work involved. It's been amazing how much is involved to build a hybrid and we didn't understand that or appreciate that until we've tried." The students have worked with team sponsor Australian All-Electric Vehicles (AAEV) to learn about and develop the battery and motor systems in what Paul described as a great partnership: "They've just learnt so much this year. It's been fantastic." They were at the Pre-Scrutineering Day to check that their batteries were ok, as well as ensure that their occupant protection system complied. Their vehicle 'Blue Thunder' was one of the few vehicles on the day which didn't require changes before Maryborough.
Above: Gisborne's 2009 entry - Blue Thunder	Above: RACV Scrutineer, Greg Hill, gives Blue Thunder a thorough check-over at the Pre-Scrutineering Day.
You may remember roller blade wheels affixed to the outside of an orange vehicle last year, check it out to the left here! Well, those extra wheels are gone and it's looking slick with it's new all-blue livery. In 2008, that orange number 94 - named 'Speedy Gonzales' scored 20.90 in Design & Construction, 17.50 in Display & Presentation and completed 507 laps of the RACV Track. They finished sixth in the B2 Class with a total score of 81.37 out of 100. So, with defending champs Damascus not lining up, how well do they want to go? "Just getting to the start line makes you a winner. You know that." Indeed we do and we wish Paul and the team all the best.
Article written by Nigel Preston, November 2009 Images courtesy of RACV Energy Breakthrough Archives & Nigel Preston