The Alden-Conger Supermileage team won first place in two categories at the Minnesota Technology Education Association’s state Supermileage event.

It took place at the Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd on May 17 and 18.

Both cars entered by Alden-Conger won first place in their categories, which were stock and E-85. The other two categories are modified and experimental. Alden-Conger even holds the state record for most miles per gallon — 721.86 — with an E-85 car.

“There were about 98 cars and about 50 schools there,” adviser David Bosma said.

Bosma teaches at Alden-Conger and helped the group of nine students with anything they needed while building the cars. Some of the students have been working on the cars since November. One of the sponsors of the race, Briggs & Stratton, supplies the engines for the cars. With stock cars they are not allowed to make any modifications.

“We do a lot of fine tuning,” Bosma said.

The cars are worth anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 so the students do lot of fundraising to be able to build their cars. They held a pancake breakfast and also asked businesses for donations.

“We want to thank all the businesses who’ve supported us otherwise this wouldn’t be possible,” Bosma said.

Bosma has coached the Supermileage team in Alden for 10 years and some of the students have been on the team for years, so the experience helps.

“You learn what you need to do and what to expect,” student Mike Reyerson said.

Reyerson has been on the team for four years. He worked on the stock racing car which is 2.4 horsepower, made with carbon fiber and quarter-inch steel tubing. The cars are made to be as light as possible, not for speed. The goal is to complete the two-lap run and get the most miles per gallon. The cars usually go about 15 mph around the track.

Tyler Adix has been on the Supermileage team for two years and worked on the E-85 car. It is also 2.4 horsepower and made with carbon fiber with aluminum tubing. The team has seven boys and two girls, and they usually make the girls drive during competition because they weigh less and every little bit affects the race.

Bosma hasn’t been able to teach a small engines class at Alden-Conger for a few years, but he hopes to change that soon.

“Next year I want a Saturday class,” Bosma said.

He likes to get his students involved in hands-on activities that applies what he teaches them in science and physics.