January Monthly Report

A new year has just begun, and the Power Drive team is well on its way to creating a new car. Four different groups created conduit models for the team to evaluate for weaknesses and strengths. Finally, the team chose which model would best fit the new car. Modifications and improvements were made to the prototype. Later, a new roll bar was constructed and a new bottom cross brace was put in place. This time the bottom cross brace was built with more of a curve, allowing the driver to sit lower in the car and making the car more aerodynamic. The students also practiced using the T.I.G. welder on chrome moly, the same type of metal used for the chassis of the car. The team cover the chassis of the car with paper to check the final fit of the body to the chassis.
Preparations are being made to the new jig for building the chassis on it. This helps in keeping everything in alignment and square while building the car. Because there are so many angles and curves, finding a square angle on the chassis is challenging making the jig a necessity. In addition, the team is looking at new and more sophisticated improved brake configurations. Finally, modifications to the nose of the car were completed.
The documentation team finalized their decision on the theme for the documentation video, but they are still narrowing down their themes for the two books.
This month has been full of fundraising opportunities. The team has held four concession stands at home basketball games, and they have been very successful and profitable. Furthermore, they have held half-time shooting contest with the opportunity of winning a 2 liter pop.

Drake Luedert

Drake Luedert is a senior at Bancroft-Rosalie. He is 17 years old. This is Drake’s second year in Power Drive. After graduation, Drake plans on going to college and working.
Drake doesn’t have a specific job in Power Drive, but he does whatever needs to be done. Drake said, “Power Drive is a good class and a fun way to learn new things.” When Drake isn’t working on the car, he enjoys listening to music. Drake’s favorite part of Power Drive is seeing how work pays off when it comes to the race.

Eric Browning

Eric Browning is a senior at Bancroft-Rosalie. He is 17 years old and enjoys hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in Mechanized System Management. He then desires to farm.
Eric said, “Power Drive is a great way to learn about fabrication, electrical, and engineering in general.” In Power Drive, Eric is the fabricator and welder. He is also a crew chief.

Update on the Power Drive Team

The concession stand put on by the Power Drive team was very successful. We would like to thank the Bancroft Meat Locker for donating a portion of the meat for pork sandwiches. Paper was placed on the body of the car and preparations for the new jig are in place for the car. In addition, the team is looking at new and more improved brake configurations.
The documentation team decided their theme for the documentation video. They are still looking for ideas for their book. They have also been working hard and diligently on there monthly report.

Themes for documentation books!

The documentation team has been deciding on themes for this years books. We have narrowed it down to five different choices. Please take the time and vote for your favorite theme at http://www.polleverywhere.com/nolting. The choices are "Reel in the Big Win," "Top Gear," "The making of Power Drive 101," "Welding the team together one bead at a time," "Saving the world one hour at a time." Please vote as soon as possible!!!


Thanks,
Power Drive Team

Dylan Samuels

            Dylan Samuels is a senior at Bancroft-Rosalie. He is 17 years old. This is his first year in Power   Drive. After graduation, Dylan plans to attend Wayne State College. Dylan is a battery specialist and photographer for the Power Drive team. He enjoys music and coon hunting. When asked what he likes most about Power Drive he said, “I enjoy the challenge of building an aerodynamic car.” Dylan also said, “Teamwork is most important thing for a successful Power Drive season.”

             

Power Drive Team Full Speed Ahead

     The beginning of the week started off by modifying and improving the prototype. Later, a new roll bar was constructed and a new bottom cross brace was put in place. This time the bottom cross brace was built with more of a curve, allowing the driver to sit lower in the car and make the car more aerodynamic. The students also practiced using the T.I.G. welder on chrome moly, the same type of metal used for the body of the car.

     The documentation group has been discussing new themes and ideas for the books and videos. Also they have been preparing for upcoming concession stands.

Race coming up!

There is 87 days until the first Power Drive race on April 7th,2012 in West Point. The team members are all busy working on building the car. The first concession stand of the power drive is on January 17th. Come Support our team.
See you There

The Head Honcho

            The Power Drive team recently added 4 more members to documentation. This means the Power Drive blog is becoming the best blog from the Bancroft-Rosalie website.

            Mr. Smith has been teaching at Bancroft-Rosalie for 18 years. He started in 1993. In his free time, Mr. Smith enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Dylan S. says, “Mr. Smith guides us, but he doesn’t actually do the work. He makes sure that the students get things accomplished on time.”

             Power Drive will be going on 14 years. They have successfully won 7 state championships and 5 runner-ups. Eric B. says, “Smith is very knowledgeable and has years of experience. He is a good teacher to learn from and explains things thoroughly. Plus, he loves what he does.” This year should be a great year for power drive!

......And They Are Off!

A new semester has just begun and the Power Drive team is well on their way in creating a new car. Last weeks primary goal was to evaluate the conduit models constructed by 4 different groups. Electrical conduit is used to build the prototype of the car. These models were compared to each other through its weaknesses and its strengths. Finally, they were able to choose which model would best fit the new car.

     Four new members have also been added this semester to aide in the documentation part of Power Drive.   

Power Drive Concession Stand Dates

Here is a list of dates in which the Power Drive team is working the concession stands. Come and support the team!

January 17^th                         vs. Wakefield

January 24^th                         vs. Winnebago

January 28^th                         Conference Tournament Girls

January 30^th                         Conference Tournament Boys

January 31^st                         2^nd Round Conference Tournament Girls

February 3^rd                        3^rd Round Conference Tournament Girls