Members of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) team were Scott Bilskie (crew chief), Robbie Cunningham, Rich Chiesa (scorer), Adam Kern (track worker), Paul McCain, Hamza Tanvir, and Will Taber (driver). In total, 12 AIChE members built and raced the 2008 kart. With permission from Richard Childress RCR, the kart displayed Dale Earnhardt's signature number "3".

Preparation intensified in the month prior to the race. The team ran the kart for the first time in late March and learned how to burn out the clutch. Later, during two weeks of track practice, they ripped the teeth off the drive train gears. Learning but not discouraged, the team then recorded the fastest lap of any kart on one of the practice days.  During the 2-lap qualifiers preceding the race, the kart ran fast and consistent and placed fifth. This finish secured a race starting position at the front of the field.

Race day was Saturday, April 19, 2008. A still unexplained problem forced the team to replace the clutch five minutes before the end of the final practice leaving no time for clutch optimization. For 147 of the 160 laps, the AIChE kart ran in the top five. At least five wrecks, including a major wreck near the finish, were averted. In the team's one 3-second pit stop to change fuel, they improved their race position. With forty laps to go, driving adjustments were made to address severe tire wear. They came across the finish line sixth in a field of 33 karts!

AIChE and the team wish to thank their sponsors, Celanese, LyondellBasell, Chevron Phillips, Cargill and Raydar and Associates. Without their generous support, the kart and sixth place finish would not have been possible.

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