For the first race of the 2011 PPPRS season, speculation was rampant on exactly what Sector 67, a scrappy new hackerspace from Madison, Wisconsin, would roll onto the track with. By the end of the first weekend, all critics were silenced. Sector 67 had arrived and was bringing a whole new level of creativity to the Power Racing Series.
Not even a year old, Sector 67 has splashed into the hackerspace scene with an ambitious technical background rivaling some of the best spaces in the Midwest. When it was announced that they were to enter in the 2011 PPPRS season, many wondered what would emerge from their quiet 4100 square foot shop.
What they had constructed rocked the Power Racing Series world. Built using lightweight aluminum scrapped from art easels and old motors from 80’s machinery the vehicle was a triumph in “found” equipment, they scrounged for a controller, a cheap 70’s monstrosity that was painfully susceptible to moisture yet resilient to the power they were pumping through it.
The car has impeccable straight-line speed. The two 500 watt direct drive motors acted as an electronic differential to the rear. Under braking this system permitted the motors to assist in slowing the machine down from an “off throttle” braking system that actually fed power back into the batteries; a very rudimentary yet effective regenerative braking system. Keep in mind we are still talking about a kids toy here.
Sector 67’s machine is exceptionally low to the ground. The track width pushes the very limit of PPPRS regulation. The front steering is elegant and wide; complimented with dual disc brakes from mountain bicycles. Collectively the machine is powered by a set of 3 Lithium Ion packs that have started a glorious debate on the PPPRS forums based on legality and future evolution of regulations in the PPPRS itself.
Sector 67’s entry represents a new level of PPPRS: it is clearly a fast machine that also deeply embraces moxie. An entire battery is dedicated to the onboard stereo, which provided the team with an impressive number of Moxie points as it pumped Alice Deejay into the crowds each lap.
So innovative and creative is this entry it has thrown PPPRS into a whole slew of regulation discussion. Most of the debate is focused on the future of PPPRS and how this vehicle could inspire an all-too serious arms race in performance. As the new 2012 regulations become drafted, the series will retain a focus on fun with cheap and dirty innovation, regardless of the dominance of one team. As this discussion rages on the Sector 67 machine remains untouched for racing this season. Whatever happens, the vehicle has certainly raised the bar for rule-making and has shown what sort of creative genius can occur when given a tight schedule, a shoe-string budget and room full of very talented engineers which is something PPPRS takes pride in exemplifying.
If anything the Sector 67 machine is a welcome force in the Power Racing Series. It represents the best work of a hackerspace, and showcases the unique problem solving that makes these community-driven workshops such a serious force in the world of innovation. PPPRS might be just a bunch of adults acting like kids but pieces like this vehicle showcase a level of dedication and attention to detail that often goes unnoticed to the public eye. One of the most important facets of PPPRS has nothing to do with silly hats, sword fighting, or hard-fought racing, but the inherit mission to showcase and celebrate community workshops/hackerspaces/makerspaces to the public. The more exposure these organizations receive, the better opportunities available for local communities who are yearning for a chance to build and make something, whatever it may be. Sector 67 has quickly proven how vital they are to their community and as one of the finest spaces in the Midwest, PPPRS is honored to see the team compete and hopes to see many more seasons from them.