Google Gravity Games Registration Now Open

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Douglasville's annual downhill dash — in the name of science — is less than two months away and now is the time to register if you want to take part.

Google's 2017 Georgia Gravity Games, a gravity-only race car competition in downtown Douglasville, is set for Nov. 4. Everyone is welcome to register or just attend the event, which is designed to encourage the state's students, from kindergarten to 12th grade, to flex their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills.

In its three-year history, Gravity Games has attracted thousands of people to Douglasville, which is home to one of Google's 17 global data centers. Google co-sponsors the event with Georgia Tech and the City of Douglasville.

Team and individual registrations for the series of gravity-car races are free and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a limit to the number of participants in each division. The deadline to register is Oct. 20.

Interested racers, "Science Street" exhibitors and attendees can register and get more details about the event at the Gravity Games website.

Science Street is a new STEM exhibit that offers attendees another way to engage with science concepts and hands-on activities presented by students from across Georgia.

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Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor students to help them purchase a derby car kit and build their race cars. The starter kits cost between $600 and $700. Sponsors will be able to brand the team car with logos and other imagery.

There is no cost associated with being a Science Street exhibitor. Interested sponsors can email contact@gagravitygames.com for more information.

Participants assemble either out-of-the-box "kit cars" or highly personalized "engineered cars" to race. The cars can have no internal power, and will go only with the flow of gravity — making crafty engineering a must for a strong finishing time.

Last year, more than 55 teams made up of students from 28 schools across the state competed. With an additional three adult teams competing in the "open" category, it was the highest number of participants in the Gravity Games' short history.

Photo via GaGravityGames.com