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ACI Sponsors the 2020 Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race

2/20/2020

Themes were an equally important element in the overall Concrete Toboggan Competition.

The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR) – the largest and longest running Canadian undergraduate Engineering Competition – celebrated its 46th year January 29 – February 2, 2020 in Toronto, ON, Canada.

GNCTR is a multidisciplinary challenge, where teams must construct a toboggan with concrete running surfaces, fully functional steering and braking systems, a completely enclosed roll cage, and weigh less than 300lbs. The toboggan must be able to safely hold five riders

Nearly 600 engineering students representing 20 universities from across North America took part in the event. The day before the race, the teams participate in a Career and Technical Exhibit by showcasing their toboggan design and theme for a panel of industry judges. In addition to the exhibition, the American Concrete Institute joined a number of sponsors in promoting student benefits such as free student membership, concrete competitions, scholarship and fellowships, and the career center.

Lawrence Technological University, MI, USA, referenced Detroit’s automotive industry as inspiration for their theme.

The race was held at Snow Valley Resort, north of Toronto, and was followed by an awards banquet. Prize categories included Toboggan Design, Technical Communication, Race Day, and Spirit. The overall winner of the event was the home team and competition host, the University of Toronto.  

GNCTR was created by Dr. S.H. Simmonds in 1974, Past President of the ACI Alberta Chapter. Concrete is used as the primary material in the construction of the toboggan skis as well as the award trophies. Next year’s event will be hosted by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of Calgary, in Alberta, Canada. 

Learn More about Regional Concrete Competitions.

Concrete was used to design the toboggan skis and the award trophies.