E-Cycle Sets New Track Record

Some senior projects help to solve a practical problem.  Some explore a thorny issue.  The senior project of three current ISAT seniors recently set a new East Coast Timing Association (ECTA)  track record in Maxton, North Carolina.  With a top speed of 70.17 mph, the team’s “E-Cycle” shattered the previous record set last year at the  "Maxton Mile," the oldest and most prestigious land-speed racing location on the East Coast.

Led by Rob Prins, a faculty member in JMU’s School of Engineering, ISAT seniors Tripp Loflin, Sam Sweet, and Paul Crisman helped to design and build the E-Cycle, a converted 1968 Sears motorcycle.  Other students from Engineering, Finance, and ISAT contributed to the project, which is based out of JMU’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle lab.  The students removed the motorcycle’s engine, helped to secure in-kind support from BatteryMart.com of Winchester, and installed the batteries and an electric motor to create the E-Cycle.  More recently, the group displayed the vehicle at Early’s Cycle Center and an open house session for prospective students held on East Campus.  After some modifications are made to address a few issues that arose during the Maxton race, the E-Cycle team plans to re-evaluate the vehicle, find ways to improve its performance, and take it to more races during the Spring 2010.