Johnny and I are off to the rayces! We'll be official Observers for
the 4th year, this time accompanying the solar race cars from Austin,
Texas, to Calgary, Alberta. More info follows. If you want to follow
the race, go the the website, www.americansolarchallenge.org . We'll be
back home for the fall semester in the Biology Dept. Carol and Johnny
Kimmons
Golden, Colo., March 7, 2005 – Participants in the 2005 North American
Solar Challenge (NASC) will make history as the first solar car racers
to cross an international border. The 2005 race also sets a new
standard for length; at 2500 miles, it beats the 2001 and 2003 races
by more than 100 miles and is still the longest solar car race in the
world. This race will also have the most teams from outside the United
States; 10 of the 40 teams registered are from Canada. The American
Solar Challenge is normally held every two years within the U.S., but
in this special international edition of the race, students will
design, build and race solar-powered cars across the United States and
Canada. The race begins in Austin, Texas, July 17 and will finish July
27 in Calgary, Alberta. Teams from universities, companies and
organizations around the world will compete in what each hopes will be
the fastest solar-powered car. The race follows U.S. Route 75 and the
Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), with checkpoints in Weatherford,
Texas; Tulsa, Okla.; Topeka, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Sioux Falls,
S.D.; Fargo, N.D.; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Brandon, Manitoba; Regina,
Saskatchewan; and Medicine Hat, Alberta, before reaching the finish in
Calgary. The race is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),
its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Natural Resources
Canada (NRCan). Although Canadian teams have been involved in the NASC
and its predecessor races for many years, the 2005 race sets a new mark
for Canadian participation. "I am pleased to see so many Canadian teams
demonstrating their commitment to clean energy through this prestigious
competition," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural
Resources Canada (NRCan). "My department is proud to sponsor this
event. By working with our partners DOE, industry and these young
leaders of tomorrow, we are helping advance renewable energy
technologies, a key to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions."NASC cars
must be powered solely by sunshine. The racers use photovoltaic
(solar) cells to convert sunlight into electricity to power their
cars. Weather and energy management play important roles in the
race. The cars usually travel at highway speeds and are required
to obey local speed limits, but in general, the sunnier the day, the
faster and farther the cars can run. Brighter days also allow the cars
to “fill up” their batteries for cloudy or rainy days. The vehicles
are low and sleek, with solar cells covering much of the upper car
body. Although most solar cars carry one person, this year’s race will
see several two-person cars. DOE’s overarching mission is enhancing
national security. The priorities of the department’s energy programs
are to increase domestic energy production, revolutionize our approach
to energy conservation and efficiency, and promote the development of
renewable and energy efficiency technologies. NREL is DOE’s primary
national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research
and development. NREL is operated for DOE by Midwest Research Institute
and Battelle. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) plays a pivotal role in
helping shape the important contributions of the natural resources
sector to the Canadian economy, society and environment. The department
conducts innovative science to generate ideas and
transfer technologies, and represents Canada’s international interests
to meet our global commitments related to natural resources. By
promoting the responsible use of our natural resources, NRCan builds on
the Government of Canada’s commitment to ensuring the quality of life
in our communities, a healthy environment and continued economic
prosperity — for the Canada we want, for ourselves and for future
generations.
ABOUT THE RAYCE
The 2005 North American Solar Challenge is a special edition of the
American Solar Challenge that will be in both the USA and Canada. The
Mission of the American Solar Challenge (ASC) is to promote and
celebrate educational excellence in science and engineering. ASC also
promotes renewable energy technologies and the creative integration of
technical and scientific expertise across a range of disciplines.
The 2005 event is a cross-country solar car rayce that will be held in
July, 2005. The Rayce will run from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta.
Up to 60 solar car teams from universities, colleges, and private
organizations will be competing in the Event. Entrants design and build
vehicles that are run entirely off of solar power, which they store in
batteries as they rayce. Teams will be required to pass technical and
safety inspections before being allowed to rayce.
NASC2005 will be an exciting and challenging rayce. This will be the
longest solar car rayce in the world, with teams facing varied
climates, topography and road conditions. Safety is the organizers'
primary objective, and every effort will be taken to ensure that
participants rayce safely and responsibly. Full event support will be
provided in the form of emergency response personnel who will accompany
the Rayce along the route.
The Rayce will be staged at three locations, with teams checking in at
Checkpoints located every 150-250 miles.
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