7: 30 am: The team is currently charging our car and getting ready to race on up to Sioux Falls and then Minnesota. We are anticipating a 1:00 pm arrival into Sioux Falls if all goes well. After Sioux Falls we turn right and cross into Minnesota, following Highway 75 through Pipestone and on up to Fargo. We probable will not make Fargo this evening, so if any Gopher fans cannot make the Sioux Falls checkpoint today, you can always come and see us at the Fargo checkpoint tomorrow. We would love to see you there. And of course people can plop down a lawn chair anywhere on highway 75 and watch the solar cars roll through. Stay tuned for more updates.
10:15 am: In Herman, NE Minnesota passed M.I.T, and is now in the lead. With Peter Meinz behind the wheel, Borealis III passed just north of a thunderstorm. Minnesota was lucky to avoid most of the storm but M.I.T. unfortunately hit hail. The skies are clear now and the team is expecting a 2:15 pm arrival now in Sioux Falls. See you there.
Borealis III entered Sioux Falls, SD at around 1:30 pm with a police escort leading the way. The reception into the checkpoint was incredible with huge crowds, dozens of news crews, and flags and fanfare everywhere. We chatted with all the solar car fans as long as we could, but since we only have 30 minutes at the checkpoint, we had to quickly change drivers and get ready for the next leg. M.I.T. arrived at the checkpoint about 15 minutes after us and Michigan arrived as we were leaving.
Out of Sioux Falls we headed east and brought Borealis III to the homefront as we crossed the Minnesota border. The team was so happy to be racing in our homeland as the rolling fields of corn and soy were so much more beautiful then the dead grass of Texas. As we passed through Pipestone, the streets were lined with kids holding up signs that said "Honk if you love the sun," to which the caravan immediately followed suit.
The team is spending the night in Ortonville and will head out to Fargo tomorrow. Thanks for all the updates everyone, and like Brad Schulz keeps saying, come to Fargo!
Way to go yesterday to overcome all that bad weather. I particularly enjoyed the pic of Michigan when you passed.
Keep doing what you're doing well.
Posted by: Pat's Dad | July 20, 2005 at 08:07 AM
Charging to get over a hill... *shivers* I know the feeling.
But it looks like everyone had a tough time. Too bad the NASC site is so far behind in reporting results (7/18 the latest, at least what I can find). I'd like to know the time differences between teams. What times are you seeing at checkpoints?
Posted by: lazer | July 20, 2005 at 08:24 AM
Keep up the great work! Many, many of us are willing you forward.
Tought to tell, but it seems the U of MN was in 1st overall as of last night.
Posted by: Brad Schulz | July 20, 2005 at 09:36 AM
Who is the excellent driver who got the van stuck in the ditch?! Atleast I got the van out on my own in '03 :-) I hereby name thee Ditch Witch Junior!
Stay safe team and keep the solar car off of sharp gravel and shoulders when possible, sharp rocks caused a few flats for the B1 team in '01.
And whomever asked what the strategy is of the team...it is always "go faster" because the real strategy is top secret and is a key component into making a good car race great, and a great car race the best.
Posted by: Jason Halpern | July 20, 2005 at 10:50 AM
Always go faster! This is like a giant game of Texas Hold'em. Maybe Minnesota was on "E" at the check point, maybe they weren't. Maybe they were traveling at the speed limit, maybe not. Maybe the information posted on this blog is a totally truthful, maybe it isn't.
To all parents and friends of the team watching the site....get off work NOW...DRIVE TO FARGO...Cheer on the team...You'll love the experience.
Posted by: Brad Schulz | July 20, 2005 at 11:25 AM
So Brad, what're you doing typing instead of driving to Fargo? ;)
Posted by: L | July 20, 2005 at 11:29 AM
Too addicted to the GPS tracking...How about a booster club charter to Calgary?
My parents still talk about the two races they followed TEN YEARS AGO! Parents need to just go...stop thinking about it...just go.
By the way...I bet the Minnesota observers are having a fun time sitting between the nice gray haired professor and their comedic team leader. See photo: http://travis.typepad.com/photos/nasc_day_2/img_3799a.html
Posted by: Brad Schulz | July 20, 2005 at 11:46 AM
Wow, MIT is picking up the serious roadrash on their car this time around...
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Go Gophers! Just read you took the lead. We are all sitting on needles and pins waiting for updates. Hope to see you in Fargo on Thursday, and then on to Winnipeg with you. Be safe and go fast!
Posted by: Jim Karen & Susan Meinz | July 20, 2005 at 12:25 PM
Good heavens, they're in Sioux Falls already. I'm starting to wonder if they will make Fargo tonight.
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 01:45 PM
Welcome back to Minnesota Borealis!
Posted by: Nick S. | July 20, 2005 at 03:03 PM
Heard the race from MPR, good job guys!!! And keep aiming high.
Posted by: Jerry J. Wang | July 20, 2005 at 05:11 PM
Where are the guys now?
Posted by: Anderson | July 20, 2005 at 05:16 PM
Past Canby and coming up on Madison, according ot the gps info.
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 05:20 PM
Looks like Mich is about to pass MIT. MIT is doggin it. Looks like Gophs are still roughly 30 minutes ahead!
Posted by: Aaron | July 20, 2005 at 05:24 PM
Pretty sweet leading the race on Minnesota roads.
Posted by: Brad | July 20, 2005 at 05:27 PM
Looks like they've stopped just north of Bellingham, hopefully for the night?
Posted by: Aaron | July 20, 2005 at 05:42 PM
It is about that time...
Posted by: Laur | July 20, 2005 at 05:45 PM
I guess not for the night. They are flyin' away again.
Posted by: Aaron | July 20, 2005 at 05:53 PM
Ortonville for the night! Good day for the SVP.
Parents: Ortonville isn't far....drive out, be there to wake them up.
Posted by: Brad | July 20, 2005 at 06:15 PM
Not sure if you guys have seen yet, but the StarTribune has an article about the race.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5517030.html
Is the car pictured in the article yours? The side panels have solar cells on them. I do not remember you guys doing that. If you did what is why?
Posted by: Ande | July 20, 2005 at 06:22 PM
Ok my last question in my last entry got a little messed up. First question I have is the Start Tribune says that the car pictured is yours. Is this true? If it is true when did you place solar panels on the side of the car?
Posted by: Ande | July 20, 2005 at 06:27 PM
Ande, the strib picture is of Borealis III, the side panels went on a few days before they left for Texas.
Posted by: Travis Lee | July 20, 2005 at 06:30 PM
You can recognize the car for certain if you see the "35" on it.
More surface area = more solar cells = if you haven't maxed out the rules, why not? You may also see some cells that "flip out" when the array is tilted up.
Posted by: Greg | July 20, 2005 at 06:44 PM
The solar cells went on the left side panel to benefit them once they turn left after getting to Canada. Thereafter, the sun will always be on the left side of the car after that turn.
It also helps out in the later afternoon while on the north-south part of the trek. They can run stronger at the end of the day.
Posted by: Pat's Dad | July 20, 2005 at 06:46 PM