The ACE Race ’25 at the SAPD Academy Track in San Antonio marked a transformative moment for the region’s electric vehicle motorsports. This event was celebrated as the first-ever binational race in the series, welcoming prestigious Mexican teams from UNAM (Mexico City) and Universidad del SABES (UNIDEG, Guanajuato). Their participation didn’t just add international flair; it redefined the competition’s “Advanced Battery” category, where UNAM #107 and UNIDEG #125 secured an impressive 1st and 2nd place finish respectively in the first heat.
Efficiency vs. Speed: The Energy Management Game
In Electrathon racing, crossing the finish line first is often less about raw speed and more about energy management. While the lap differences between the top standard cars and the advanced Mexican teams were notable, the data reveals a much tighter competition than the final counts suggest:
- UNAM #107 completed 39 laps with a best time of 1:24.247.
- UNIDEG #125 followed with 37 laps and a best time of 1:34.574.
- SW CAST #22, a top local performer, also hit 39 laps with a best time of 1:24.629.
The best time records indicate that the mechanical and aerodynamic potential of the cars was remarkably close. The lap gaps often reflected strategic choices in energy consumption—balancing the battery’s longevity against the clock to ensure the car didn’t “die” before the hour was up.
The ACE Series Grand Finale
This race served as the grand finale of the inaugural ACE Series that began in 2024. After a grueling season, the point totals crowned the following leaders:
- East Central (#263 & #360): A dominant force throughout the season, taking the 1st and 2nd spots overall with 171 and 148 points.
- SW CAST (#22): Consistent performance earned them a strong 4th place ranking with 138 total points.
- Incarnate Word (#81): Showcased the rising talent in the region, finishing 9th overall and 3rd in the Rookie Class with 120 points.
- Students from CAST STEM School noted in post-race interviews that their biggest takeaway wasn’t just technical; it was the communication skills they honed under pressure. Despite minor powertrain and electrical hiccups—common in prototype racing—the event ran seamlessly.
Community and Spirit
The success of the race was bolstered by the South of Texas Business Partnership, who managed everything from meals and souvenirs to a golf cart shuttle for guests. The San Antonio Police Department provided an exceptional venue and cadet support, ensuring a professional environment for these young engineers.
Guided by Race Director Forrest Hawthorn, students were reminded that while the goal is to win, the spirit of the event remains “healthy competition”. The Electrathon motto, “You can’t beat your friends if they’re not on the track” was evident in every pit where a helping hand was always available.
The Electrathon Binational Series (EBNS) is proud to bring this international dimension to North America. We invite new sponsors to join us in supporting the next generation of STEM leaders as we expand this cross-border collaboration.
