Rose-Hulman Solar Car Ready To Defend Title At Formula Sun Grand Prix

A group of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology engineering students hope the sun once again shines on their solar-powered vehicle in this week's Formula Sun Grand Prix in Topeka, Kan.

The Solar Phantom Team is the defending champion of the three-day race which begins Wednesday on the 2.1-mile road course at Heartland Park Raceway.

However, a new car has been constructed to face the challenge of 23 college teams from throughout North America and Canada. The list of competitors includes the University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, The Ohio State University and Texas A&M University. And, the stakes are a lot higher. This year's Formula Sun winner could get the No. 1 starting position for this summer's American Solar Challenge, a 2,300-mile road rally from Chicago to Claremont, Calif., along historic Route 66.

"We're serious about defending our title," said Solar Phantom VI Team Leader Brad Berron, a junior chemical engineering major from St. Louis. "We've constructed a car that's better than last year's model. The Formula Sun Grand Prix will show us where we stack up against the competition for this race and where we have to improve before this summer's big challenge."

The Solar Phantom VI has traveled over 1,200 miles to prepare for the Formula Sun Grand Prix. "As the race draws near, solar car fever is rapidly spreading throughout the team," said Operations Officer Jake McKeegan, a junior mechanical engineering major from Tiltonsville, Ohio.

Rose-Hulman's Solar Phantom V averaged 31.2 mph to complete 831.6 miles during last year's Formula Sun race, beating the University of Missouri-Rolla by 29.4 miles. That race involved 14 teams, including Minnesota, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Before racing begins on Wednesday, the Solar Phantom VI must pass a series of inspections today and Tuesday to meet mechanical and electrical regulations, and drivability requirements.

Sprint and pit crew contests will also be part of the Formula Sun competition.

The Solar Phantom is 18 feet long, 6.2 feet wide and weighs approximately 500 pounds without a driver. Most of its body is covered by 788 photovoltaic "solar" cells, which produce nearly 1,000 watts. The car uses energy stored in eight lightweight nickel metal hydride batteries to run on cloudy or rainy days.

Rose-Hulman has been one of America's most successful solar car teams, competing in every cross country event since 1990.

For more information on the Solar Phantom Team and the Formula Sun Grand Prix visit the following web sites: www.rose-hulman.edu, www.rose-hulman.edu/SolarPhantom and www.formulasun.org

- Story courtesy of Dale Long

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