It was a cool and cloudy day on 02.26.2022 in the San Francisco Bay, but at Independence High School in San Jose, California a fierce battle was waged. Thirteen teams took to the race track for the 2022 Horizon Educational NorCal Regional qualifying match, and after the two elimination periods six teams were selected to go onto the California Final in Pomona, California.
A beautiful track for an outstanding decarbonized competition
At the NorCal Regional the contest was fought as much on the track itself as it was in each pit. The cars for some teams experienced exciting crashes with other cars on the track or with the track barrier, which resulted in those vehicles needing a lot of repair work. Other teams struggled with the overall vehicle mechanics, which kept their cars off the track most of the time. But a few of the teams were in harmony with their cars, and it definitely showed as those groups successfully navigated the track one lap after another without frequent pit stops.
While the normal hallmarks of a H2GP race were on full display whether it be teams helping each other or students breaking out serious equipment to be ready to affect a quick repair (yes, there were also student drivers who had an interesting sense of the concept of braking), there were additional qualities equally on display that were no less encouraging. For instance, Rishi and Rohan Upadhyay from Mira Loma High School showed a passion for technology and the H2GP competition that was exemplary. While most H2GP teams have between 5-7 students, Rishi and Rohan only have each other, and they are the only ones from their high school that participated in the NorCal Regional match.
Rishi and Rohan Upadhyay
There was also Torie Bammer who, while not a member of a student team this year, demonstrated an ability to put FCEVs together like she was born to race FCEVs. Torie and her dad, Chris, volunteered their time and energy to help make the NorCal Regional race a success. (Watch out current H2GP racers for Torie in the 2022-2023 season!)
Chris Bammer and his daughter Torie Bammer
It was also interesting to see on more than one occasion a car dragging its hydrogen supply around the track considering that many adults think hydrogen is dangerous. There were many thrilling crashes during the race and while some of the vehicles may have limped off the track into the pits, there was not so much as even a little smoke at any time during the match.
As the hours passed the track began to collect more than its fair share of pieces from the FCEVs, and towards the end of the day it was definitely clear which cars had authentic battle damage.
The three fastest cars were Independence High School’s team “Independence 1,” Arroyo High School’s team “SAS,” and Heritage High School’s team “Heritage Patriots.” Three other teams that will be going to the California State Final are Mira Loma High School’s team “Mira Loma,” Florin High School’s team “Panther Racing 2,” and Arroyo High School’s second team “Mechanical Overload.”
(If there was an honorable mention category just for team name, then team “Ankle Biter” from Silicon Valley CTE definitely earned a mention.)
Evan and Sean at the check-in table
The NorCal Regional match also benefited from having an expertly designed track thanks in large part to three veteran H2GP competitors: Cameron, Evan, and Sean Weiss. Not only did Cameron, Evan, and Sean donate their time on Friday 02.25 to helping design and setup a sweet track, but they also volunteered at Saturday’s match with checking cars in, providing technical pointers to the racing teams, and helping to recover stranded cars. Their support of the NorCal Regional event was invaluable.
Right to left, Cameron, Sean, and Evan Weiss
Speaking of support, in one of the Q&A sessions that your correspondent did with the top three teams one of the students mentioned that he wished adults did more to support the H2GP competitors. Even if more parents showed up, for that student it would be a big win.
Evan Weiss next to a Mirai flag
Now the above six teams will head to Pomona, California on 03.26.2022 to participate in the California State Finals for the U.S. part of the H2GP competition. Your correspondent will also be in attendance there, but with a pit stop (pun intended) this coming weekend to cover the SoCal Regional match on 03.05-03.06.2022. All of the students who participate in the H2GP competition are a testament to the power of young people, since for them challenges are things that can be solved. In a world sorely in need of positive solutions to so many complications young people and the H2GP competition remain beacons of brilliant light and hope.
Students begin to arrive at the NorCal Regional match
For more information on the H2GP competition please click here.
Jesse Lyon, Contributor
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