Cutting Edge Electric Motorcycle Road Racing in the U.S.
What is Formula Lightning?
Formula Lightning (formerly eMotoRacing) race start
The Formula LightningSM (formerly eMotoRacing) series is the PREMIER zero emissions motorcycle road racing series in the US. This means, if your race bike emits no exhaust while going around the track, you can use any means of propulsion you like; such as electricity, magnetism, gravity, flywheels, springs, etc. We welcome both stock and custom-built electric motorcycles, and innovations such as harnessing kinetic energy are encouraged.
Formula LightningSM (FL) was established in 2013 to fill the demand for a zero-emissions motorcycle racing series that would demonstrate advanced and compact e-superbike technology and excitement. A strategic partnership with AHRMA has given us desirable race tracks and reliable race dates. Initially started by avid racer and solar power advocate, Arthur Kowitz of Ormond Beach, Florida, the Formula LightningSM series is now in its sixth season, sponsored by Woodcraft Technologies, Inc. Competition bikes are race-prepped production units from Energica, Zero, and Brammo, plus custom built prototypes of all kinds.
Formula Lightning℠ Varsity Challenge
2018 Winners of the Varsity Challenge at NJMP, Rochester Institute of Technology
Along with our regular season events, Formula Lightning℠ holds a Varsity Challenge (VC), where students from high-profile engineering colleges, around the nation, compete against each other with their hand-crafted e-bikes for scholarship cash and bragging rights. This event provides the opportunity for students to hone their racing skills and advance technologies in the area of zero-emissions.
Collegiate engineering teams are invited to design, build, and race production motorcycles converted to electric, full on prototypes, and even powered by any zero emission method (flywheel, magnetism, piezo-electric, etc). The race is run concurrent with AHRMA’s FL class, under all FL rules except for battery voltage. VC teams are not limited as to battery voltage, as long as normal safety concerns are met.
AHRMA’s race director allows the VC teams to race on track side-by-side private ebike teams, with the understanding that the VC teams will not get points toward the FL championship. To sweeten the race for VC teams, Woodcraft Technologies sponsors a $1000 scholarship to the top team. Recent entries have come from Virginia Tech, University of Sherbrooke (Quebec), Rochester Institute of Technology, and University of Calgary. Among other schools with programs underway are Penn State and University of Michigan.
Formula LightningSM founder, Arthur Kowitz, will gladly answer specific questions upon request. Email Arthur at dbsuperbiker@gmail.com
The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine. We all stand upon the backs of giants when we create. ~Nikola Tesla
Become one of this generation’s giants.
Join us for our 2019 season. AHRMA’s 6th Varsity Challenge will be mid season once again.
