Cross-country solar car race to end at the University of Minnesota on Monday, July 28
Contacts:
Brooke Dillon, University News Service, bldillon@umn.edu, (612) 624-2801
Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering, rzurn@umn.edu, (612) 626-7959
Who: About 10 collegiate solar car teams from around the world
What: Finish of eight-day, 1,700-mile cross-country solar car race
When: Monday, July 28; First cars are expected to arrive about noon; Final cars expected by 3 p.m.
Where: Victory Lot, University of Minnesota-East Bank Campus, 2302 6th Street SE, Minneapolis (just east of TCF Bank Stadium)
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (07/24/2014) — A University of Minnesota parking lot will transform into a unique finish line as collegiate solar cars from around the world complete the American Solar Challenge in Minneapolis on Monday, July 28.
The first solar cars are expected to arrive at about noon with the final cars completing the race by 3 p.m. at the Victory Lot, University of Minnesota-East Bank Campus, 2302 6th Street SE, Minneapolis (just east of TCF Bank Stadium). Convenient parking is located in several nearby ramps and surface lots.
Join Goldy Gopher and other supporters in cheering on the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project team as they cross the finish line. Wear your maroon and gold! All cars will be on display after crossing the finish line in the parking lot where visitors can talk with team members.
The eighth and final day of racing will begin Monday morning in LaCrosse, Wis., with teams traveling the final 154 miles northwest to the finish line. The University of Minnesota is one of about 10 university teams from around the world who passed all of the requirements and are expected to complete this year’s 1,700-mile cross-country solar car race that began in Austin, Texas on July 21.
The University of Minnesota's team has traditionally finished among the top teams in the race and is currently in second place after three days of racing. Their car, named Centaurus III, includes a newly revamped electrical system, improved aerodynamics, and new safety features. The car is just over 3 feet tall, about 16 feet long and nearly 6 feet wide. It weighs just under 400 pounds.