Onward to Minnesota
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.
Img_4021sm_2 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!
July 20, 2005
Comments
Pat's Dad
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
lazer
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
Brad Schulz
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
Jason Halpern
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
Brad Schulz
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
L
So Brad, what're you doing typing instead of driving to Fargo? ;)
Posted by: L | July 20, 2005 at 11:29 AM
Brad Schulz
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
Laurie
Wow, MIT is picking up the serious roadrash on their car this time around...
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 12:02 PM
Jim Karen & Susan Meinz
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
Laurie
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
Nick S.
Welcome back to Minnesota Borealis!
Posted by: Nick S. | July 20, 2005 at 03:03 PM
Jerry J. Wang
Heard the race from MPR, good job guys!!! And keep aiming high.
Posted by: Jerry J. Wang | July 20, 2005 at 05:11 PM
Anderson
Where are the guys now?
Posted by: Anderson | July 20, 2005 at 05:16 PM
Laurie
Past Canby and coming up on Madison, according ot the gps info.
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 05:20 PM
Aaron
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
Brad
Pretty sweet leading the race on Minnesota roads.
Posted by: Brad | July 20, 2005 at 05:27 PM
Aaron
Looks like they've stopped just north of Bellingham, hopefully for the night?
Posted by: Aaron | July 20, 2005 at 05:42 PM
Laur
It is about that time...
Posted by: Laur | July 20, 2005 at 05:45 PM
Aaron
I guess not for the night. They are flyin' away again.
Posted by: Aaron | July 20, 2005 at 05:53 PM
Brad
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
Ande
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
Ande
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
Travis Lee
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
Greg
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
Pat's Dad
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
July 20, 2005
Onward to Minnesota
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.
Img_4021sm_2 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!
July 20, 2005 | Permalink
Comments
Anderson
MN is looking good. Pulled into Ortonville. MIT stopped 13 miles ahead, but they can't get going tomorrow until 8:28. Michigan is about 15 miles back.
Posted by: Anderson | July 20, 2005 at 08:26 PM
adam delwiche
What is the penalty for?
As of Omaha, we were in the lead at 22:48:18 with 5 Min penalty, MI 23:17:41 and Waterloo 23:30:12. For 921.5 miles, average of 40mph. (I think this includes media stops)
Posted by: adam delwiche | July 20, 2005 at 08:46 PM
Elizabeth
Just wanted to thank you guys for all the great information and pictures on your website. I'm a UMR student with a some-what neglegent boyfriend-type-person on our Solar team and get the best updates on how our team is doing on your site. I wish you the best of luck in return for your great information and updates!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 20, 2005 at 08:55 PM
Nick S.
MIT starts at 8:28 tomorrow you say... what time did we stop / what time do we get to start in the morning?
Do you know when Michigan stopped?
Go Gophers!
Posted by: Nick S. | July 20, 2005 at 09:06 PM
adam delwiche
http://solar42.umr.edu/gallery2005/July18/pages/DSC_0173_JPG.htm
Good job today guys and gals!
For those wanting to know the strategy: Strategy is an abstract concept in which no one really knows what is going on. Although the strategy guys may tell you differently.
or... go faster! (Kinda like what Brad said)
Posted by: adam delwiche | July 20, 2005 at 09:44 PM
Anderson
I believe MN can start at 7:48. Should be a good 25-30 minutes in front. The MIT team said they had 75% in their batteries when they stopped tonight, which is probably the reason they kept going as long as possible.
Not sure when Michigan stopped.
Posted by: Anderson | July 20, 2005 at 11:50 PM
Betty Schloemer
I've been following your progress. Way to go! Prayers for sunshine and safety are coming your way.
Posted by: Betty Schloemer | July 21, 2005 at 07:47 AM
Jason Halpern
*******
Can someone tell us what this 5 minute penalty business is all about on the way to Topeka, KS? Did you challenge it?
(Please email the alumni and team list serve only.)
Posted by: Jason Halpern | July 21, 2005 at 08:00 AM
IT Honors -- Bob, Pam, Diane
You all are doing such a great job. We were particularly touched at the juxtapositions of the cars pulling into whatever rural town. I can imagine some small child seeing the cars and crew and thinking, "That's me; I want to do that." What an inspiration!
Posted by: IT Honors -- Bob, Pam, Diane | July 21, 2005 at 08:48 AM
Brad Schulz
I had to laugh when I saw the comment from Elizabeth from UMR, "...a some-what neglegent boyfriend-type-person on our Solar team..." I bet that could apply to most of the solar geeks that still have a girlfriend!
Oh and maybe MIT had 75% in their pack, and maybe they didn't. I heard that Minnesota had 112% in its pack after the morning charge. ;-)
People can still make it to Fargo and/or Winnipeg if they leave NOW.
I almost forgot...keep up the good work team.
Posted by: Brad Schulz | July 21, 2005 at 08:55 AM
Nick S.
Also remember that no matter what time the team makes it to Winnipeg (possibly by the end of the day), they will not be leaving until 9am or on Sunday.
Posted by: Nick S. | July 21, 2005 at 09:06 AM
Nick S.
That should read "until 9am on Sunday"
Posted by: Nick S. | July 21, 2005 at 09:07 AM
John Farmer
Just want to say congrats on a great checkpoint in Sioux Falls, one of the guys I was talking to later on after our team had left commented about how organized we were and how everything was done snap snap snap.
The people who were at the checkpoint also enjoyed being able to talk to somebody who had knowledge about the car, for example some people were thinking we had a tiller to steer with, because the steering wheel wasn't on.
Keep up the good work and enjoy the next couple days in Winnipeg.
Posted by: John Farmer | July 21, 2005 at 07:09 PM