Formula Lightning
Encyclopedia
Formula Lightning was an electric
type of single-seat open-wheel formula racing
. Rather unknown to the public, it was held for Colleges of Engineering
student teams who built and designed these vehicles which were able to reach speeds up to 143 mi/h and competed on both oval and road course type race track
s.
Each participant in the Formula Lightning series purchased an identical rolling chassis, then designed and built the electric drive system for their vehicle. There were no changes allowed in the chassis design without majority approval of the Formula Lightning Owners Association. This ensured student teams could concentrate on the electric drive without the necessity of designing specialized mechanical chassis components.
These vehicles raced first in 1994 at the Cleveland CART race and since then have participated in venues across the country. The Final official series race was held in October 2004 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
.
The Ohio State University was the leading series champion.
Battery electric vehicle
A battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a type of electric vehicle that uses chemical energy stored in rechargeable battery packs. BEVs use electric motors and motor controllers instead of, or in addition to, internal combustion engines for propulsion.A battery-only electric vehicle or...
type of single-seat open-wheel formula racing
Formula racing
Formula racing is a term that refers to various forms of open wheeled single seater motorsport. Its origin lies in the nomenclature that was adopted by the FIA for all of its post-World War II single seater regulations, or formulae. The best known of these formulæ are Formula One, Formula Two, and...
. Rather unknown to the public, it was held for Colleges of Engineering
College Of Engineering
A college of engineering generally refers to an institute which offers engineering course at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level. Either these institutes are part of a university or are affiliated to some university. The duration of the undergraduate course is four to five years depending...
student teams who built and designed these vehicles which were able to reach speeds up to 143 mi/h and competed on both oval and road course type race track
Race track
A race track is a purpose-built facility for racing of animals , automobiles, motorcycles or athletes. A race track may also feature grandstands or concourses. Some motorsport tracks are called speedways.A racetrack is a permanent facility or building...
s.
Each participant in the Formula Lightning series purchased an identical rolling chassis, then designed and built the electric drive system for their vehicle. There were no changes allowed in the chassis design without majority approval of the Formula Lightning Owners Association. This ensured student teams could concentrate on the electric drive without the necessity of designing specialized mechanical chassis components.
These vehicles raced first in 1994 at the Cleveland CART race and since then have participated in venues across the country. The Final official series race was held in October 2004 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a road course auto racing facility located in Troy Township, Morrow County, Ohio, United States, just outside of the village of Lexington...
.
The Ohio State University was the leading series champion.