Penn College earns accolades at the Toyota Green Grand Prix

Students and faculty from Pennsylvania College of Technology collected plenty of hardware at the recent Toyota Green Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York.

The college contingent – consisting mainly of students from the Penn College Motorsports Association – garnered several awards at the 21st annual event, held at the Watkins Glen International race course. The Green Grand Prix is a fuel-efficiency competition for alternative fuel vehicles, hybrids, and traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles. It’s meant to promote innovation in sustainable transportation technologies.

The college’s entries ranged from school-owned electric and hybrid vehicles used in labs to cars owned by individual students and David P. Showan, associate professor of automotive technology.

“This event gives the students the opportunity to participate in a one-of-a-kind competition. Energy conservation, alternative fuels and vehicle high performance are all showcased at the Green Grand Prix,” Showan said. “We couldn’t be more pleased and prouder of the effort and the great results that the students achieved.”

There were approximately 50 cars and 100 competitors at the Green Grand Prix, the only official Sports Car Club of America-sponsored event that offers both a fuel economy/energy efficiency challenge and an autocross on the same day.

The Penn College honors were:

Best miles per gallon, 4-cylinder gas category in the road rally: Matt D. Edwards, an automotive technology management student from Mountain Top, who drove his 2022 Toyota Corolla.

Best miles per gallon, modified diesel category: Nathan M. Manikowski, of Greencastle, majoring in polymer engineering technology. Manikowski drove his 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Truck Caddy.

Best hybrid autocross time and most fuel-efficient third-generation Prius: Jason M. Wollermann, of Egg Harbor, New Jersey, and Lucas T. Fontes, of New Fairfield, Connecticut. The duo drove the college’s 2012 Toyota Prius. Wollermann, who has earned an associate degree in collision repair, is seeking a bachelor’s in applied management and a certificate in automotive restoration. Fontes is an industrial design major.

Most energy efficient full electric and fastest time in the autocross for a full electric: Showan and fellow automotive technology faculty member Joe A. Tavani. They drove Showan’s 2020 Tesla Model 3.

The Penn College crew also included Alex S. Broyles, an automotive technology student from Chadds Ford, and Roy H. Klinger, instructor and co-department head of collision repair.

“We’re so proud of our faculty and students for putting in the time and effort to be part of this amazing event. Their passion really showed in the great results they achieved, and they did an outstanding job representing Pennsylvania College of Technology,” said Ali L. Lorson, assistant dean of transportation technologies.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222 for more information.