9:00 am: Borealis III is starting this morning from the Manitoba capitol in downtown Winnipeg. We had a great stay here thanks to the folks of Winnipeg and our great hosts at Red River College. The penalties have been assessed this morning and the start order is generally unchanged. Minnesota is in first, Michigan is in second, M.I.T. is in third and Rolla is in fourth. Our time ahead of Michigan is still around one half hour. We will be starting in one minute intervals so we will have Michigan right behind us all day. Should make for an interesting day of racing.
5:20 pm: It's a nailbiter. Borealis III just left the Regina checkpoint behind Michigan by 19 minutes. We're still in the lead but the margin is shrinking. Today was a windy one, with 20 mph winds right on the nose of the car, so a speed of 65 mph over the road feels like 85 to the car. Michigan passed Minnesota early in the day and has been gaining ever since. We will not know the exact split until we arrive in Medicine Hat tomorrow, but it'll be close. M.I.T. arrived at the Regina checkpoint 15 minutes after Minnesota and Rolla arrived as Borealis III left the grounds. We'll keep you posted.
9:00 pm: We had a great day of driving. We lost time to Michigan, but we drove well and the team operated superbly. We charged this evening next to some gorgeous scenery so be sure to check out the pcitures.
We'll all be anxiously watching, GOOD LUCK!!!
Posted by: Greg Sallee | July 24, 2005 at 11:53 AM
You guys are awesome--I'm so proud to be a member of the U community! I've been loosely following the Solar Vehicle Project group for a few years now and should have sent encouraging words and accolades sooner. This year, there's no excuse!
Great Web site/commentary, fabulous photos, and a car that just won't stop (thank goodness ;-)... All the best as you finish this unbelievable adventure!
Posted by: Kathy | July 24, 2005 at 03:11 PM
Way to go Gophers! Go Go Go!!! Nothing can stop you now! Petal to the metal - you have the University of Michigan shakin' at the knees!! See you at the WSC '05!
Posted by: Kevin | July 24, 2005 at 03:42 PM
Beat Michigan! Love, Aunt Sue
Posted by: Sue Kretsch | July 24, 2005 at 04:13 PM
For the record ... Josh's parents and Peter's parents provided the Subway lunch on Saturday ... and we did put a bit of a panic in the three Subway workers!
We are now home in St. Cloud safely and already watching the rayce on the net. It is so exciting! As John's Mom said to me today, did you ever think you would be a Solar Car Groupie?
We are hooked! GO MINNESOTA! GODSPEED!
Posted by: Mom Meinz | July 24, 2005 at 04:53 PM
For the parents and friends of the team who were able to travel to meet the team....good job! I'm sure you'll remember the experience for some time.
Posted by: Brad Schulz | July 24, 2005 at 05:13 PM
Focus dudes!! Execution time. Make the team go!
Posted by: Dave Kahly | July 24, 2005 at 05:18 PM
Get moving! I know overall your still leading but why are you lagging on this leg? Drive hard tomorrow, disable under voltage protection if necessary, the pack will survive. Let them short themselves then bypass them at the next stop. Just beat Michigan, Go! Victory is everything! You didn’t drive this far to loose.
Posted by: wayne | July 24, 2005 at 06:44 PM
Your rayce strategy and execution has been outstanding and I know that I speak for many when I say that we are very proud of your accomplishments.
Do not let your guard down. Michigan, MIT, UMR are all great raycing teams and they will prove it to you if you let them... Traditionally, MIT has been the best stratigists in the business and I can understand that speeds *may* drop with the elevation, however, make sure that you are in a position to recover as the race draws to a close. Tomorrow may be your last chance to show the world how great this car can be...
God Speed and Continued Victories,
Charles.
Posted by: Charles Habermann | July 24, 2005 at 08:19 PM
Wow!!!!, only 7 minutes between Minnesota and Michigan. Keep it up cause Michigan will be pressing you guys harder than ever now.
Got to go faster...good luck
Mike (Rolla solar car alumni 01')
Posted by: Mike | July 24, 2005 at 08:50 PM
Beautiful rayce so far Minnesota! No matter the outcome, you have proven yourselves beyond all doubt. Those of us who came before you are very proud of the way you have upheld the UMNSVP Tradition
Michigan's going to rayce you tough, and you should never underestimate MIT. Charge on into the finish and show the world what you've got.
Good Luck and Godspeed.
Posted by: Tony | July 24, 2005 at 09:26 PM
I have become a 55 year old Solar Rayce groupie! I love your website and have sent the link to all of my family. We have your site up and watch Borealis III's progress throughout the day. Keep up the great work for all of us U of MN grads - we love the great job you're doing! Best of luck on the home stretch!
Posted by: Tanya | July 24, 2005 at 09:55 PM
A+ on your new car and a great web site. Stay ahead of Big Bird (Brad, I forgot, was that Michigan?) and Oscar (MIT). The car will make it if you can!
I can't believe this is car 7! Where are all the other cars? With the high gas prices, I'll take one and drive it to work, even Aurora I!
Posted by: Alex Detrick | July 24, 2005 at 10:28 PM
Good luck tomorrow. You have to be exhausted by now. Keep Michigan at bay. You might want to use the new motor for the extra torque.
Posted by: wayne | July 24, 2005 at 10:56 PM
Great Job everyone!
Nice article with pics featuring Borealis III
http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?section=article&storyid=879
Posted by: Dan | July 24, 2005 at 11:49 PM
When this program was started 15 years ago, Michigan already had a well-established program with a lot of financial support and auto industry expertise.
Since that time, this program has come from scraping for space, finding a faculty advisor and being excited about our first $1000 sponsor to creating leading-edge technology that can compete with and, hopefully, beat Michigan.
That's a significant accomplishment and you should all be proud of your contributions.
Also, thank you, Professor Starr, for your long-term commitment to the team.
Posted by: Jonathan - UMNSVP alumni - 1990-91 | July 25, 2005 at 08:33 AM
Keep it up guys. Today looks like it will be less windy. Remember that avoiding penalties is just as important as going fast. With that being said, go faster!
Posted by: Nick | July 25, 2005 at 08:42 AM
Hey team, Remember the Kool-Aid pitcher guy?? Me too.
U of MN So La Ka Rules!
ps - Peter Meinz I ate 6 saltine crackers in 1 minte and 4 seconds! I think that is pretty good and I dont think you can beat that.
Posted by: MIkeyJ | July 25, 2005 at 08:58 AM
"Oh Yeah!"
Posted by: Nick | July 25, 2005 at 09:01 AM
Does this fall within the rules? I guess as long as they carry this thing around the whole race in the car...
"https://www.eere-pmc.energy.gov/nasc05/NASC05_Image_Library/Day8Photos/072405_DAY7_008.jpg"
Posted by: Jason Halpern | July 25, 2005 at 10:28 AM
This is a nail biter. I dont think I'll have any left by the time the race is done because of the slow refresh of the GPS and then having to wait for official times! Well, I dont use my nail much anyway, all in the name of So La Ka.
And lets hear it for the American Solar Challenge Street Hockey champs! Way to go guys. Obviously you are the all around champions. Not only do you built sweet sweet solar cars, but you can play sports! I cant hardly believe it. You guys are soo sweet.
Posted by: MIkeyJ | July 25, 2005 at 11:15 AM
What happened just before the Alberta border? The GPS tracking data said Borealis III stopped for like ten or twenty minutes. and MIT and Waterloo looked like they stopped in the same spot for a few minutes. I got worried someone had crashed.
-TC
Posted by: TC Lambert | July 25, 2005 at 01:05 PM
Looks like we are in teh Medicine Hat stage stop. I checked Michigan's blog and they are claiming a 38 minute gap which would put them in the lead by 11 minutes. This is all way to close and exciting to be here at work!
Posted by: Matt Haupert | July 25, 2005 at 01:07 PM
Way to go University of Minnesota! The team and vehicle this year are simply amazing! I, for one, am extremely proud to say that I am a UMNSVP alum with the performance that has been and continues to be displayed - regardless of what some jealous Michigan fans may post on our Blog. Go Gophers!
Posted by: Kevin | July 25, 2005 at 01:32 PM
..pesky clouds.
Way to keep pushing!!
Posted by: Dan | July 25, 2005 at 01:43 PM