SUNRAYCE is a solar car race sponsored by GM,
the United States Department of Energy (DOE), and EDS. The racers are
college students who work as teams to design, fund, build, and finally
test their solar cars. The race has 9 daily runs or "legs" and covers
a total distance of 1,230 miles.
JCRAC helped with safety and status communications on the June 24th leg,
which started in Lee's Summit at Longview Community College, and ended
in Manhattan, KS. A 1/4 checkpoint was operated in Olathe, KS. Overall
communications was coordinated by Larry, WE0T (NEKC-ARC), Paul KC5CEK, and
Bennett, W5TZM. JCRAC hams who particpated were Bill Epperson, WB0CEF
(stationed between the 1/4 checkpoint and the starting line), Bill Jones
W0FN (1/4 checkpoint), and Tom Wheeler N0GSG (Starting line).
Photo 1: The starting lineup moments before the race. Each car starts at
one-minute intervals. The lead car is from MIT.
Photo 2: The "SunStang," car 96, University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario)
Photo 3: "HERB," built by students at the US Military Academy - West Point, New York
Photo 4: "Sol of New Orleans," built by engineering students at the University of
New Orleans
Photo 5: Students work as quickly as possible to get their car ready before
post time. (Car name unavailable). Notice the hydraulic reservoirs at the
left-front wheel area.
Photo 6: Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS "SOLUTION"