Cross-country solar car race to end in St. Paul on Saturday, July 21
Contacts:
Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, rzurn@umn.edu, (612) 626-7959
Matt Hodson, University News Service, mjhodson@umn.edu, (612) 625-0552
University of Minnesota team in second place after Day 3 of racing
What: Finish of eight-day, 1,600-mile cross-country solar car race
When: Saturday, July 21 (first cars are expected to arrive about 11:30 a.m.; final cars expected by 3 p.m.)
Where: Minnesota State Capitol Mall, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, St. Paul
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/17/2012) — The Minnesota State Capitol Mall will transform into a unique finish line as collegiate solar cars from across the country and Canada complete the American Solar Challenge in St. Paul on Saturday, July 21. The first cars are expected to arrive about 11:30 a.m. with the final cars completing the race by 3 p.m. All cars will be on display after crossing the finish line and visitors can talk with team members.
The eighth and final day of racing will begin Saturday morning in LaCrosse, Wis., with teams traveling the final 155 miles northwest to the finish line.
The University of Minnesota is one of about a dozen university teams from the United States and Canada competing in this year’s 1,600-mile cross-country solar car race that began in Rochester, N.Y., on Saturday, July 14.
University of Minnesota alumni, students and supporters are invited to gather at the university’s College of Science and Engineering tent to cheer on the home team as they cross the finish line. The tent will be located near the finish line on the western side of the lower State Capitol Mall near the intersection of John Ireland Blvd. and Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. (just north of parking lots H & I and the Veterans Service building). Wear your maroon and gold! Goldy Gopher will visit the tent between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
The University of Minnesota's new car, named Centaurus III, is a completely new generation design from the university's previous nine solar vehicles. The most noticeable change is the new design that incorporates improved aerodynamics and cutting-edge electrical technology. This year's car also is unique because all of the car's parts have been custom-designed by students. More than 40 University of Minnesota science and engineering students are on the team. Team members estimate that they've collectively spent more than 50,000 hours over the last year planning and building the solar car.