Pumping Station:One, Chicago’s only hackerspace, has become the first official entry into the 2010 Power Racing Series. The official entry name “Pumping Station One: GP” (PS1:GP) has been selected after a merger between last season’s Todd Ianuzzi Experience and J-Squad. The Technical Directors of each team will have an integral part of the new team, and their combined efforts will lead away at the many technical challenges ahead.

PS1GP announced a list of goals and deadlines to finish the vehicle for April 15th, well ahead of their July 31st Maker Faire debut, in order to have an extended pre-season testing. This will allow for other potential teams to overview PS1:GP ‘s entry for guidance in any unforeseen technical challenges.

PPPRS released a final draft of the rules to PS1:GP and as a result, with approval from the Director of PPPRS, PS1:GP has already aquired a Power Wheels Stinger XS from a Toys R’US.  Jessica White, donated the vehicle to PS1, and the $210 spent on the machine will be counted towards the $500 maximum team budget.

Other participating hackerspaces will also be required to follow the $500 team limit, regardless of donations. PPPRS strictly underlines the limit, and teams are not allowed to exceed the maximum value, unless the expenditure is for safety or for equipment that is not a part of the car (see 2010 Rules for specifics). Teams may also seek sponsorship to recoup any costs incurred to the hackerspace during construction, and a Sponsorship Packet will be provided to any team to assist their endeavors.