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‘Hatchet Choppers’ taking part in BUILD Moto competition

With help from Harley employees, THS students will design, rebuild motorcycle

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TOMAHAWK – Several Tomahawk High School (THS) students are partnering with employees from Harley-Davidson to participate in this year's BUILD Moto competition.

The “Hatchet Choppers” are representing Tomahawk in the competition, which sees teams of six students from Wisconsin high schools organized to design and rebuild a motorcycle to American Motorcycle Association (AMA) flat track racing standards.

The competition is offered by BUILD, a nonprofit organization working with Harley-Davidson, that “(builds) trade and life skills through motorcycle fabrication.”

“It all began with an idea,” BUILD’s website states. “Teach tech skills to high school students through motorcycle building. The idea turned into BUILD Moto, with teams of high school students paired with mentors and faculty members.”

Through a multi-year partnership, Harley-Davidson is donating XG500s to all the teams in the program, along with support and technical training mentors.

“Our involvement with BUILD Moto represents our commitment to STEM learning and helping to teach the next generation of designers, engineers and trades experts,” said Shanna Beanan, Harley-Davidson STEAM Program Manager. “Working with high schoolers who are empowered to create a bike that is race-ready is really rewarding. It’s a thrill to see their confidence grow during the build and showcase what they’ve learned as the pit crew on Race Day and a skills challenge.”

According to the website, each team is matched with at least one faculty advisor from their school and up to three mentors who act as coaches and team leaders, encouraging students to plan, design and complete their build.

Each team is provided a motorcycle, along with parts support.

Teams are judged on design, execution and completion of milestones throughout the build timeline, which runs through May, when the winner will be chosen.

To learn more about the competition, visit www.buildmoto.com/.

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