The ultra-fuel efficient vehicle served as their inaugural entry in the "Super Mileage Challenge" April 26 at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

The goal of the contest was to build a car that will maximize its fuel economy. The Ball State team expected to achieve 150 mpg.

"I think it's amazing we can actually build a car from nothing," said Dana Charlesworth, the driver. "It will be exciting to see how we do."

The car is nothing like those that roll off of assembly lines. It has three wheels and rides close to the ground. Its three-horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine is just strong enough to run a lawnmower. And since Charlesworth weighs less than the 150-pound minimum for the driver, the team must add weights to the car.

The competition is open to high school and collegiate teams.

Team members viewed the event as an outreach opportunity.

"This is a great opportunity for high school students thinking about this race to see that they can continue to do this sort of thing at the university level here at Ball State," said Scott Warner, assistant professor of industry and technology and the team's adviser.

Students have already considered redesigning the car to achieve even better results.

"We'll use this as a stepping stone," said team member Jason Werling. "We could rework the car and enter it in a national college competition."

The car is not part of a class assignment. Students have met on their own time since fall to design and build it. They arranged sponsorships and donations to pay for the project.

Each team had 30 minutes to complete 10 laps around the 0.68 mile oval track. Judges then measured how much gas was left in the car to determine its fuel economy.

Race organizers say last year's winner exceeded 1,400 mpg.

(Note to Editors: For more information contact Warner at (765) 285-5646 or swarner@bsu.edu.)