Auburn Solar Team to Compete in World's Longest Solar Car Race

Auburn University's Sol of Auburn solar car team will be competing in the North American Solar Challenge, the world's longest solar-powered car race, from Austin to Calgary July 17-27.

Auburn's entry into the 2,500-mile race will test its ability to journey across six U.S. states and three Canadian provinces using only the power of the sun. Students are challenged to design, build and race a full-sized solar-electric car in a cross-country event in order to gain practical, hands-on experience in making a fully functional car. There are 30 university teams from across the nation and Canada competing in the race.

In the Formula Sun Grand Prix qualifier at Heartland Park Raceway in Topeka May 15-20, the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering's entry—Sol of Auburn—placed second in stock class, third overall and received the safety award.

The team began in 1988 as a mechanical engineering senior project to build a small, remote-controlled, solar-powered car. It has since become one of the largest undergraduate engineering projects ever undertaken at Auburn University.

This year's car has 759 solar cells and costs an estimated $200,000 including donated materials. Weighing 550 lbs., it is six feet wide and 16 feet long. The car's speed will top out at 70 mph and cruise up to 45 mph.

To follow the team's progress during the race and to view photos of the car log on to the Sol of Auburn's Web site.

• AU Solar Car Team Video - The race begins: Austin, Texas, Sunday, July 17