Morning
Team NJ awoke to clear blue skies and sun today! At Torrington High School, our display booth was bustling with eager high school students yearning to gain information about our hybrid vehicle. Professor Jack Braun (NJIT-BCC) noted, "when parents and children came to the display booth together, there seemed to be more interest in the technology of the NJ Venturer than if the children came themselves. This was significant in Torrington." The Torrington High School band provided a beautiful touch by playing music for the crowd. There was a Start Ceremony as the vehicles were preparing to begin the first half of the third leg of the tour. Dr. Robert Wills, Technical Co-Director, NESEA Tour; Partner, Advanced Energy Systems, was present during the ceremony to wish the drivers well.

NESEA volunteer, Darcy Baiocco-Shulman (NJIT-Mt. Laurel). Darcy walked groups of children around giving them tours of each of the vehicles encircling the Town Common’s open grassy field.

Before the windy downpour in the middle of the afternoon, Linda Cerkvenik (Rutgers-CAIT) spoke with Nancy Hazard, Director, NESEA Tour. She commented on the success of the event so far. "Everyone who started out yesterday made it to the finish line. It is significant because it is the first time this has ever occurred and it reflects the reliability of the electric vehicle and how far the technology has come. It is wonderful seeing not only the quality in major manufacturers but also in the student vehicles. The components, electronics, and battery are so much more advanced than ten years ago. Seeing the technological advancement here is great."

Tom Thompson, Executive Director of NESEA, commented on the first half of the third leg of the trip, travelling from Torrington to Pittsfield., "It was very impressive that the vehicles were able to make it over the hilly terrain. Also, Pittsfield is in the center of an environmental situation with General Electric and by hosting this event it shows their commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, he made note that, "its all about the children, introducing them to new technology. It was great seeing their participation in the Jr. Solar Sprint today."

Team NJ decided to tow the NJ Venturer from Pittsfield to the Lebanon Valley Dragway in New Lebanon because there was no benefit to either driving it or towing it. This leg of the tour was not timed, so there were no penalties to worry about. The vehicles then began the second half of the third leg of the tour as they made their way to New Lebanon, NY.

Evening
In New Lebanon, Team NJ attended an Appreciation of Everyone dinner at the Italian American Club in Pittsfield, MA sponsored by NESEA. Everyone highly enjoyed the beautiful view overlooking the lake.