Gaia
BWSC2023
22 - 29 OCTOBER
The 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge spanned 3000 kilometers; starting in Darwin, Northern Territory on 22 October, 2023 and ending in Adelaide, South Australia on 29 October, 2023. The Cruiser Class race consisted of two stages, split by a required overnight stop in Alice Springs where cars were able to recharge their battery. In the 2023 World Solar Challenge, the Cruiser Class had been allowed to charge in three locations, so this new requirement forced innovation.
Gaia completed the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 58 hours and 45 minutes, finishing second in our class. As we prepare for the 2023 World Solar Challenge, we are looking into ways that will improve the practicality of our car as well as the efficiency.
FSGP2024
13 - 15 JULY
The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a three-day track race. It took place at the NCM Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. FSGP likes to test how the competitors are able to corner, brake, and accelerate. In order to be successful in FSGP, teams must understand how their vehicle consumes power on a per-lap basis and perfectly manage this consumption. In the end, the team that is able to complete the most laps in the three-day span wins. Successful completion of FSGP is also required for competition in the American Solar Challenge.
The University of Minnesota has won the Formula Sun Grand Prix 4 times, in 2003 with Borealis II, 2005 with Borealis III, 2009 with Centaurus I, and in 2011 with Centaurus II. We placed third that year.
BWSC2025
24 - 31 AUGUST
For the first in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge’s history, the race did not take place during the fall semester in the October. Instead, it took place in August. The distance and route where still the same - teams racing through the outback of Australia from Darwin to Adelaide.
This is Gaia’s second time competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.