GNCTR 1.0

The GNCTR story starts in 1972 when the University of Alberta Professor Dr. S. H. Simmonds and Chair of the Alberta Chapter of the American Concrete Institute developed racing concrete sleds as Canadian equivalent to the “Concrete Canoe Race” which is popular in the USA. An original race was held in 1972 but was considered a failure by the Alberta ACI chapter and the event was not renewed for next year.

The initial race was held in Red Deer, Alberta at Canyon Ski Hill. This location was perfect as it was a middle meeting point for the Original 4 Schools of GNCTR:

• University of Alberta

• University of Calgary

• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

1974 REBIRTH

The original competitors from 1972 were disappointed in the decision to not renew GNCTR going forward. Instead of letting GNCTR be laid to rest for good, the alumni of the original race decided to plan the event themselves. In 1974 the original Four Schools created their school clubs and organizing commitees to meet once again in Red Deer for another concrete toboggan race.

In 1975; UAlberta, UofC, NAIT, & SAIT met once again to race concrete toboggans at Canyon Ski Hill. Luckily this race was considered a success and ever since has been a yearly tradition in Canada.

GNCTR remains a volunteer organized event to this day, the only engineering student vehicle project that is 100% volunteer driven. Each year, the organizing committees are changed and potential OC’s will bid on hosting rights. With the help of corporate sponsors, GNCTR is able to remain a community organized event where previous competitors give back to current students by organizing future races.