Principia Races Ra X “Down Under”
The Principia College solar car team raced Ra X at the World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia last month, after nearly a year of dedicated work designing and building the new car. Joining solar car teams from across the globe to race on the Stuart Highway—a route as iconic to Australia as Route 66 is to the United States—Principia put its can-do spirit, attention to detail, hard work, good humor, and focus on spiritual growth into action through numerous challenges.
Weather, including periods of downpour and lightning, caused issues for all racers. Over 20 teams, including Principia, dropped out of the Challenger class and joined the non-competitive Adventure class to finish the 3,000-kilometer route. Posting on social media on behalf of the team throughout the race, Rachael Schueler (C’18) described the team sentiment the first time they had to trailer the car: “The team is in good spirits, and we've done our best. We look forward to finding some sun, and enjoying the rest of our adventure. We're still fighting like mad to get to Adelaide, racing our own race.” Though disappointed, the team made the most of the experience and cheered heartily when Nick Flanders (C’18) pulled into Adelaide on solar power. Other drivers were Jackson Walker (C’17) and Andrew Huddleston (C’19).
“We have much to be grateful for—from getting the car passed through scrutineering to driving 2,390 solar kilometers through some of the toughest terrain in the world,” says sophomore Ava Lesko, who focuses on safety and weather for the team. Rachael agrees: “Despite challenges along the way, the team worked together at every step. From rebuilding shocks, improving batteries, and fending off road trains and rainstorms—the team is proud of Ra X’s maiden voyage. We’re grateful for the opportunity to put the team motto ‘Glorify God and Always Do Your Best’ into practice.”
World Solar Challenge Celebrates 30 Years of Solar Innovation
This year’s race marked the 30th anniversary of the World Solar Challenge, which is designed to build a community of learners about the possibilities of sustainable transport. Innovation is at the heart of the event, and the technology showcased this year will influence teams in the future. Principians seized the opportunity to network with other racers, sharing insights about car design, race strategies, and energy efficiency, among other topics.
Now the team looks ahead to the 2018 American Solar Challenge (ASC) from Nebraska to Oregon next summer. The 1,700-mile route will cover portions of the Oregon Trail. “Ra X is on a container ship now and will return to campus in December,” Rachael says with anticipation. “We will make necessary adjustments to compete in ASC, and the car will be ready to go.”
See additional photos and posts on the team’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.