PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The Port Charlotte High School race team participated in its first-ever Electrathon competition April 11–12 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where students raced a battery-powered vehicle they designed and built themselves.
The program was made possible through a sponsorship by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), which provided the electric vehicle (EV) building kits in December 2024. “The team and their project align seamlessly with the goals of our new Advanced Manufacturing Program, showcasing the practical applications of cutting-edge technology and innovation,” said Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Schools.
The PCHS team competed against 20 schools from across Florida, many with years of racing experience. Despite being a first-year team, Port Charlotte placed eighth overall and was the highest-ranked among all rookie teams. The kart ran both heats without any mechanical or electrical issues.
Team members include seniors Chase Gedman, Dylan Salcedo-Lara, Kevin Mixon, Lorrena Wittmann, Jove Santizo and Evert Nolasco, and juniors Kiersten Bosse, Luiz Silva and Jesse Porter. Gedman drove in both heats and was praised for his composure and consistency on the track.
“If you think you know public schools, think again. We’re pushing the boundaries of innovation, and this team is a perfect example of that. Congratulations to the PCHS Race Team on their achievements,” said John Leclair, School Board Chair.
In addition to competing, the students explored the broader world of electric racing by attending the professional Formula E event also held at the speedway. They participated in fan village activities, answered questions about their kart, and met Formula E driver Lucas Di Grassi. They were also surprised by a visit from actor Sung Kang of the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
Team advisor Mr. Stancil said the experience provided valuable lessons in engineering, teamwork and resilience. “I’m incredibly proud of how the students performed and represented our school. To finish in the top 10 with no mechanical issues at our first race is a major accomplishment,” he said.
The team is preparing for its next race at Sebring International Raceway on May 17.
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