ROCHESTER INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY wins Woodcraft Technologies’ $1000 scholorship at the NJMP ‘eMotoRacing Varsity Challenge’
Karl Smolenski completed the 8-lap race on the student-built electric racebike, in an impressive first outing on the ZX636-based prototype.
At the end of last year’s racing season, universities from around the US and Canada were invited to compete in the AHRMA-sanctioned eMotoRacing event at New Jersey Motorsports Park July 11-12.
Eric Wood of Woodcraft Technologies, America’s road racing gear provider, graciously posted a $1000 scholarship to the winning collegiate team.
Nine teams expressed acute interest in participating, but building a competent prototype electric racebike is no easy or quick task.
Four teams had bikes completed and poised to contend. During final testing just before the event, technical difficulties sidelined most of the teams.
The RIT EV Team stood tall by meeting the challenge, bringing a huge following to NJMP. They were treated to a raucous reception at the evening’s award ceremony as the Woodcraft Scholarship was presented.
Isle of Man Manx GP veteran racer Smolenski showed poise with lap times approaching competitve in eMotoRacing’s eSupersport class.
The race was won by defending class champion Arthur Kowitz on his Brammo-based streamliner.
Pete Nicolosi of SC led for most of the race, until Kowitz reeled him at the beginning of the final lap. Each rider had sections of the track where they held the advantage, making for an exciting race.
Andrew Cowell came in third, followed by Bob Berbeco of Indiana, and Smolensky on the RIT entry.
Results:
1. Arthur Kowitz Brammo TTX
2. Pete Nicolosi Brammo Empulse R
3. Andrew Cowell Brammo Empulse R
4. Bob Berbeco Brammo Empulse R
5. Karl Smolenski RIT EV prototype
6. Scott Signorini Brammo Empulse R DNF
7 CR Gittere Prototype DNS