The car promotes the use of solar power while allowing
students to learn not only
responsibility and teamwork but also the creativity and decision making that
is sure to be useful in their future endeavours. The Solarcat II
(shown above) weighed
only 480 pounds and was able to reach speeds of seventy miles per hour. It
was
managed and run by student members of Team Solarcat who acquired the
assistance of advisors only for large decision making.
Team Solarcat has won a variety of races and even set records in past
years. The team attained first place honors in the 1992 American Tour De
Sol and the Charlotte Motor Speedway University Challenge along with
attaining second place honors in the 1991 American Tour De Sol.
At Pocono International Raceway Solarcat set a solar vehicle speed record
and has received considerable television coverage for its efforts from
networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and ESPN.
At present, Team Solarcat is rebuilding the Electric Mule for
the use of the technicians in CEER. Soon after the 12-volt system of the
Mule is repaired, work will begin on the Electric Commuter Car. The
Commuter Car may race in the Y2K Tour de Sol. The final project is the
Solarcat 3.5: rebuilding the unfortunate leftovers of Solarcat III. This
will be the biggest project. The Solarcat 3.5 is being prepared for the
2001 Sunrayce.
