Portland State University -- May 1-3

NEW YORK, April 28, 2009 – A student engineering team from Portland State University will compete against 27 other collegiate teams in the 2009 ASME Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC) beginning May 1.

Portland State will host the 3-day ASME event, in which students will put aerodynamically designed vehicles through speed and endurance tests on designated courses throughout the university campus.  The environmentally friendly pedal-powered prototypes also will be judged on maneuverability, practicality and design efficiency.

Featuring names like Transgressor and Crimson Bullet, the super bikes incorporate engineering innovations allowing optimum performance and functionality, as well as structural soundness and safety.  The HPVC-West event will feature single-rider, multi-rider, and utility vehicles in a series of sprint, endurance and skills competitions.

The field of competitors in HPVC-West will include teams from Oregon State University, Seattle University, Brigham Young University, Texas Tech University, University of Utah, and California Polytechnic State University, among others.

Judges will award cash prizes and trophies to the top teams in each category.  Special recognition will go to teams that exhibit outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit.

About ASME

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

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ASME Contact: John Varrasi

varrasij@asme.org

Media Contact: Regina Nisita

rnisita@affectstrategies.com