Cal Poly’s Human Powered Vehicle Team competed in the 2026 World Human Powered Speed Challenge, held in Battle Mountain, Nevada, from Sept. 13–19.

The team finished second in the collegiate division, reaching a top speed of just over 54 mph, with Justin Strahm riding. The team also received the Innovation Award for its retractable stabilizers, or landing gear, developed by recent graduates Dylan Hyde, Nathan Walker, Trey Barber and Mark Spohn as part of their senior project.

Beyond the competition results, the event gave newer team members valuable firsthand experience and a clearer understanding of what to expect as they begin the design cycle for next year’s vehicle.

The team included students Justin Strahm, Irick Catanach, Max Campbell, Jadon Squibb, Thomas Frutiger, Nguyen Ha, Kyle Chang, Alistair Hynes and Adam Schorr Medeiros.