Sunrayce 95: Collegiate Solar Car Race Nears Perfection

Strategic Insights -

Weather conditions in Kansas on day six of Sunrayce 95 were ideal, with clear skies, temperatures around 80 degrees, and low humidity. George Washington University maintained its lead, moving into second place overall, while MIT remained in the top spot. The 150-mile leg from Manhattan to Smith Center saw an average speed of just under 35 miles per hour for GWU. The competition was fiercely contested, with Cal Poly-Pomona finishing fourth and Stanford fifth.

Key Takeaways:

  • George Washington University averaged 35 miles per hour on the 150-mile leg from Manhattan to Smith Center, finishing first for the second day in a row.
  • MIT retained its lead, crossing the finish line just 16 minutes after GWU.
  • Cal Poly-Pomona finished fourth, with Stanford in fifth place, and Montana State University in sixth.
  • The top 10 teams were separated by less than four hours, with 37 cars still running at this point in the competition.
  • Sunrayce 95 is a collegiate solar car race sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors to promote student interest in technology and the environment.
  • The 166-mile leg from Smith Center to St. Francis, Kansas, will be the next test for the teams, with a midday stop in Oberlin.

Statistics:

  • The average speed of George Washington University was 34.75 miles per hour on the 150-mile leg.
  • The time difference between the top three teams was 16 minutes.
  • The average time difference between the top 10 teams was 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • The total distance covered by the teams so far is 300 miles.
  • The competition will resume on Tuesday at 10 a.m. CDT.

Sources:

  • Sunrayce Hotline, June 271, 303-275-4090
  • PR Newswire, June 26, 1995