**Please note that this website is currently being updated**
We are a dedicated team of engineering students focused on building a concrete toboggan for the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race (GNCTR). Our goal is to apply practical engineering skills while promoting sustainability, innovation, and teamwork!
By working together, we aim to design and build a toboggan that is both functional and environmentally conscious. Our project allows us to gain hands-on experience and develop solutions to engineering challenges in a fun and collaborative way!
The countdown to the 2027 race has begun!
JANUARY 27 - 31, 2027
What's involved?
Our team is Comprised of 7 different divisions to make this project possible
Spirit
The spirit division takes charge oof organizing team activities, running the team's social media, coordinating technical displays, and ensuring the positive team energy and environment never stops. They bring team spirit to all events while maintaining the team's theme in everything we produce.
Coordinators
Our coordinators are responsible for reviewing design and safety features and providing feedback. This is a pathway to pursuing GNCTR as a degree project in the future, as well as an opportunity to gain valuable design experience.
Operations & Finance
Our operations & finance division handles project management, ensuring deadlines are met and everything runs smoothly. They keep the team budget on track, organize fundraisers, and maintain relationships with sponsors.
Fabrication
Our Fabrication division is responsible for planning and preparing to take designs from highly developed concepts to reality. They work together to use safe practices for construction and create a hands-on manufacturing experience for everyone.
Mechanical
The Mechanical division consists of 5 dedicated students responsible for designing the braking, steering and mounting systems as well as innovating an aerodynamic roll cage to get us down the hill quickly and safely. This is a degree project at Lakehead University
Civil
The civil division consists of six dedicated students responsible for designing the concrete mix and ski profile that make up the toboggan's sliding surface, as well as for designing for the structural integrity and reliability of the toboggan. This is a degree project at Lakehead University
Meet the incredible individuals behind our success, each bringing their unique skills and energy to drive us forward!
Thomas Jerome
Captain
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Dilpreet Singh
Finance Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Marielle De Guzman
Innovation Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Hannah Cyrenne
Structural Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Pieter Jansen Van Rensburg
Concrete Mix Design Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Machail McBride
Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Teghpal Gill
Concrete Ski Design Lead
Civil Engineering Student, 4th Year
Jackson
Mechanical Lead
Mechanical Engineering Student, 4th Year
David
Mechanical Lead
Mechanical Engineering Student, 4th Year
Project Supervisors
Dr. Ahmed Elshaer, PhD, P.Eng
Civil Project Supervisor
Dr. Kefu Liu, PhD, P.Eng
Mechanical Project Supervisor
2026 Sponsors
2025 GNCTR SUCCESS
Built with Skill. Led with Heart. Recognized for Excellence.
Best New Team
As first-time competitors at GNCTR, we made a powerful debut. Our team was recognized nationally as Best New Team for our strong performance, innovative design, and clear impact showing that even as newcomers, we set the bar high.
Zero Safety Deductions
Our approach to safety was intentional and thorough. We completed GNCTR 2025 with zero safety deductions, showcasing our dedication to risk management, team training, and responsible engineering practices from start to finish.
Most Inclusive Team
Our team culture was built on respect, collaboration, and representation. Being awarded the Most Inclusive Team highlights the welcoming, supportive space we created where every voice mattered and everyone contributed.
