World Solar Challenge 2017: Updates from Darwin

[Principia Solar Car Team]

Hello supporters! Good morning from Darwin!

Day 6 Sunday

Sunday marked the day when the full race team landed in Darwin. Travel went really smoothly, with most people fairly well adjusted to the time zones by sleeping on the flight over. Darwin greeted us with blue skies and hot, humid air. After lunch at Makkas (McDonalds) and a brief stop at the team's living units, the team hit the ground running by heading to the pit and diving into unpacking any and all gear and working on the car. For some of us, it was the first time seeing the car complete! We even got one of our newly arrived drivers to take Ra X around the track. The car glides around corners beautifully, the white vinyl clearly distinguishable in the distance.

Day 7 Monday

Monday was our first entire day as a full team at the pits. Over the first few hours people and duties began falling into place, establishing what could be called a rhythm. By the end of the day the electrical work concluded well and mechanical processes were seen to. While the heat makes the work a bit more difficult, work is moving along well. After finishing at the pit, Principia Solar Car joined the other American teams for a barbecue dinner (featuring kangaroo meatballs and burger patties) and socializing. While Principia students plan ahead and fit WSC during the standard school year, we learned that some teams take entire quarters off from academics to accommodate the race. The World Solar Challenge is such a wonderful demonstration of diverse harmonies and dynamic life. We are so grateful to be able to participate!

Day 8 Tuesday

Yesterday we faced the first challenge of WSC: Scrutineering. Scrutineering is a term created by combining the words and meanings of “Scrutinize” and “Engineering”. The team woke up bright and early for a 0600 breakfast, 0645 departure for the pits, and 1100 departure for the convention center (a new site for WSC) where the Static Scrutineering would occur. Just next to the convention center is a beautiful walk along the pier and expansive views of turquoise waters. 

When we arrived, there were already a number of teams there with their cars already being examined. Scrutineering is divided by booths focusing on different parts of the car. We started at the Mechanical booth, moving on to Electrical, then Tracking, etc. After several hours of examinations and adaptations, we ended the day with only two areas out of eleven not approved. We received comments such as, “Jolly good!” and your battery pack is "Rolls Royce.” 

The day ended late with some fun at the pool and a pizza dinner at our living units. We were tired but satisfied.

Have a wonderful day!

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Principia Solar Car Team

1 Maybeck Pl.

Elsah IL, 62028

Phone: 618.374.5290

so...@principia.edu
www.principia.edu/solar