MISS, NY & NEW ENERGY WIN SOLAR CAR RACE

The prize in programs like this one goes not just to the winners, not just to the competitors, not just to the sponsors and fans, but to all of us. One of these kids may someday soon put the twist on the solar cell that makes its electricity cheaper than any other energy source. We're almost there.

Miss., N.Y. Schools Win Solar Car Race
July 31, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
Newton County Solar Team, Houston Solar Car Team, Newburgh Free Academy Team

WHAT
2 teams from Mississippi and 1 team from New York won their divisions of the Texas-to-New York Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge.

click to enlarge

WHEN
The 9-day race began July 16.

WHERE
- Winners: Newton County Solar Team from Decatur, Miss., Houston Solar Car Team from Houston, Miss. and Newburgh Free Academy Team from Newburgh, N.Y.
- Course: Dell Computer’s headquarters in Round Rock, Texas, to Newburgh, New York.

WHY
- The competition required the teams’ cars to negotiate the 2020-mile course entirely on solar power.
- (1) Open Division (various technologies, body styles and dimensions) winner: tie between "Sundancer" (Houston, Miss.) and "Sol Machine VII" (Newburgh, NY)
- (2) Classic Division (specific types of solar cells, motors and body design) winner: "Hightech Redneck" (Newton County team from Decatur, Miss.)
- 9 teams from 6 states participated.

"Sundancer" (Houston, Miss.)

QUOTES
Karen Bruett, director of business for K-12, Dell: "Each year I am astonished at the level of dedication, critical thinking and teamwork that these students display…Each team used 21st-century skills to turn a high school road trip into an exemplary science and engineering project. I know this year's event will not only help them in their future careers but also contribute to the future of environmentally friendly technology."