Solar cars line up to start the race

The ISU Solar Car Team successfully reached its goal of crossing the finish line in the North American Solar Challenge on July 27. While the team finished in last place, they faired better than the majority of the teams registered for the race just by finishing. Forty-two teams registered for the race, which is the world’s longest race for solar-powered vehicles. After extensive pre-race scrutiny, only 26 teams made it to the starting line. Of those, only 18 teams finished the race. “It’s been a tremendous accomplishment given the very little time and very little money we had to build this car,” said faculty advisor Dr. David Marx. “We are pleased with our beginning and this is just the beginning.” David Marx. “We are pleased with our beginning and this is just the beginning.”

There is no doubt that the team was helped to the finish line by the support of its corporate donors and some very loyal alumni along the race course. For example, Greg Ringer, a 1985 economics alum, hosted the solar car team for dinner while they were in Austin, TX. He also offered the team his home garage for a late night work session on the car.