Mechanical engineering is applying the principles of engineering, physics and science for the design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. The Supermileage Competition is held by the Minnesota Technology Education Association and has been running for the past 25 years. A group of students, led by Industrial Technology teacher Todd Kapsner, have been participating in the competition for around 10-12 years.

Kapsner leads several students while they build a super mileage car. The purpose of this competition is to have kids engineer, design and build a vehicle around a certain engine, trying to build a car that will get the best gas mileage possible.

Returning member George Onufer (’15) described the project as “a race car or go kart.” “It’s a three wheeled vehicle, it’s not a car or a recreational vehicle. We use it to try to find a way to get the highest gas mileage,” said Onufer.

Many students find various reasons to join Kapsner in the Supermileage competition. Nathan Ekwall (’16) decided to join the competition because, “Motors have been in my family for my whole life so it’s something I can do to have some fun and to stay out of trouble.”

Some students initially join the competition because they have a friend in it already. Onufer explained, “Last year, one of my friends asked me if I wanted to join the club.” Eventually these students realize that the competition is fun to participate in. “After a while I figured it was a really fun program to be in and it is really interesting to build a kind of a race car/go kart and then go race it. It’s just a really fun experience,” said Onufer.

By joining this competition, students receive a lot of hands on learning. “Students can learn a lot of problem solving skills, designing skills, they apply some math and science knowledge, as far as calculation miles per gallon and how fast something goes and power to weight ratios,” said Kapsner.

Onufer and new member Nathan Ekwall both learned how to weld by joining the Supermileage Competition.

Onufer said, “This year I have learned how to construct all of the non-engine parts of the vehicle like the break lines, the gas lines and the frame. Basically everything that you don’t normally think of when you think car.” Ekwall said,“I usually work with NASCAR engines so it was nice to work with such a little engine.”

The construction of the car is very laid back and relaxed. The students who are participating in the competition are able to work on the car at their own pace and on their own schedule, as long as it is finished on time. “We work hard but we also like to mess around and have fun,” said Ekwall.

While working on the super mileage car, students are able to become closer together. Kapsner’s favorite part of the club is “Watching the students struggle through something and then find success,” he said. Ekwall said, “just being a part of the team and helping out” is what he likes the most about the competition.

In future years, Kapsner would like to have more students participate in the competition. If there are enough students participating, the team would like to begin construction of a second vehicle.

The Supermileage competition is a way for students who are interested in mechanical engineering to come together and create a vehicle all on their own, then compete with other groups of students to see who has the greatest mileage.