The Principia Solar Car Team
The Solar Car Team.
Principia College's Solar Car Team recently returned from participating in the World Solar Rally in Taiwan. Principia joined 10 world class international teams in this competition.
Events included:
- Sept 15 — vehicle registration and inspection
- Sept 16 — parade through Kaoshiung City and public display
- Sept 17 — track race in nearby Pingtung
- Sept 18-20 — road rally race in southern and western Taiwan
- Sept 21 — closing ceremony and awards
The Principia Team raced Ra6, the same car that debuted in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge, taking 7th place. The car was upgraded with improved electrical, computer, and mechanical systems. It also stands taller with a completely redesigned suspension giving the driver better visibility. The Taiwan rally ran along coastal roads and over foothills of the island’s mountains. Principia's team enjoyed meeting some new competitors as well as seeing some old friends in this event.
Stay tuned for updates from the team throughout the World Solar Rally!
What's new on the website...- Be sure to check out daily updates from Taiwan!.
- World Solar Rally Event Website (Taiwan)
- Pictures from Taiwan 2006
- If you're not sure, here's how a Solar Car works…
Principia College is a small liberal arts college of approximately 550 students. It is located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Elsah, Illinois, USA, and is unique as the only college or university in the world solely for Christian Scientists. Students on Principia's Solar Car Team come from every field of study - including nearly every major in both the liberal arts and the sciences. While Principia does not have a self-contained engineering department, it offers an engineering degree through joint programs with other universities.
In 2003, The Principia Solar Team #32 followed the historic Route 66 from Chicago, IL, to Claremont, CA, and placed fourth during the American Solar Challenge. The following fall the team traveled to Australia and competed in the World Solar Challenge, a race from Darwin to Adelaide. They finished sixth place. In May 2004 the team was invited to Greece to race in Phaethon 2004. The team placed third. Most recently the team competed in the longest solar car race ever, the North American Solar Challenge, and placed seventh.
Recently a video was made that documents Principia's participation in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge, this video can be found at www.SteveWarrenFilms.com.