Solar-powered cars visit McAlester
Nick Simon drives a University of Minnesota solarpowered
car into a McAlester parking lot to end the first
leg of the North American Solar Challenge race, which
runs from Texas to Canada. SHERRY BROWN/Tulsa World
By RYAN STRONG World Staff Writer
Published: 7/14/2008 2:05 AM
Last Modified: 7/14/2008 2:28 AM
It's the first pit stop for an annual race taking place this week.
McALESTER — Nick Simon does not have to worry about high gasoline prices.
Simon, a junior at the University of Minnesota who is studying aerospace, is among the more than 20 drivers participating in the North American Solar Challenge, a solar-powered automobile race from Dallas to Calgary, Alberta. They made their first pit stop Sunday at Eastern Oklahoma State College in McAlester.
"It feels great to be here," said Simon, the first driver to arrive.
The racers expect to enter Calgary on July 22.
The challenge, which started in 1990, brings primarily engineering students from colleges around the world to the U.S. to build, design and race completely solar-powered vehicles.
Dan Saulsberry, a representative for the challenge, said, "The cars use solar power, which converts into electricity that goes into the motor or the battery."
The 15 cars make the 2,400-mile trip with teams of 20, including a pit crew, medics, business managers to handle funds, and alternate drivers, he said.
Each driver must abide by state speed and traffic laws. Inspectors assess a time penalty if a team bends any rules or laws at the checkpoints, Saulsberry said.
Each car and team spends 30 minutes at each pit stop to change drivers and tires.
Paul Hirtz, a checkpoint staff member and car inspector, said the challenge offers a unique opportunity for students to use classroom knowledge in the real world.
"In the classroom, there are set problems with set answers," he said. "In these types of events, there are so many factors that play into the race."
The cars, which are designed for one person, are followed by two vans that monitor the cars.
Solar-powered cars typically take two years to design and build, Hirtz said. The cost varies based on each team's budget and resources, but it can reach thousands of dollars.
Each team must pass a preliminary round to enter the challenge. The cars are inspected for safety and to ensure that they meet qualifications, such as a space for fresh air.
The students display their work for inspection on a grand prix race track in Texas.
Sunday's pit stop attracted nearly 100 Oklahomans. It also featured a toy solar car building contest for children.
Carol Ainsworth of Tulsa brought her son, John, 10.
"My son is really interested in engineering and these types of cars," she said. "I thought this would be a fun place to bring him to."
Simon said that despite the medics and safety inspectors, fear lingers in the back of his head.
"I always think about my safety," he said. "We're pretty safe, but I still get worried sometimes."
Ryan Strong 581-8113
ryan.strong@tulsaworld.com
By RYAN STRONG World Staff Writer
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