Awards Reception

We *finally* got to sleep in this morning! With no morning charge, the team was able to sleep until 9:00 AM or later. After a leisurely breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and headed over to the Calgary Zoo for an awards luncheon and reception.

First, the race observers (the volunteers that ride along with the teams during the day) gave out humorous awards to each team. We were awarded jars of unique-flavored peanut butter and jelly for the "sandwich" award, due to the 60 or so peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we made each day of the race to feed our crew (and observer). The joke was, you could have peanut butter and jelly, jelly and peanut butter, white bread, wheat bread, both kinds of bread, squished... you get the idea.

After the observer awards, the inspector awards were given out. They are given to honor special achievement in certian categories, such as safety, design, and teamwork. We were awarded the "best workmanship" award for our clean manufacturing of the car. It really validated the work we did to make sure no detail on the car went on without attention to the "correct" way to do it.

We were also awarded "Excellence in Mechanical Design" for our work on the suspension and chassis of the car. We continue to pursue only the highest standards in this aspect of the car--after nearly 200 miles of driving in high crosswinds yesterday, the tires still had most of the rubber tufts on them!

Another award was Electrical Team Leader Adam Shea getting the individual Espirit de Corps award for all of the help he gave to other teams to get their electrical systems up and running, usually the most challenging aspect of making a solar car. As I have said before, this truly represents what solar car racing is all about.

After the award reception, we departed Calgary for Great Falls, Montana, where we will spend the night and continue our journey home. We will stop in Fargo/Moorhead tomorrow night, and hope to arrive in the Twin Cities sometime early Friday afternoon.

--David Towey
Crew Chief

July 24, 2008

Comments

What fun! Congratulations on the awards - both the "fun" one and the more serious ones. We are so proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing you back at home. Will you take a little time to rest before starting Centaurus II? j/k Be well!

Posted by: Jeanne LaMoore | July 24, 2008 9:21 AM

I hope someone was taking pictures! Congratulations on all of your awards... so you're saying we shouldn't put PBJ on the menu for any welcome parties?

Just an FYI, the weather is 80+ and sunny today, can't wait until you get home - your fan, WZ

Posted by: Louise Somers | July 24, 2008 9:45 AM

It is great to see that the Minnesota was recognized for their attention to detail, their design, and their spirit of helping other teams get into the race and stay in the race. I am proud of the Minnesota solar car team and all they accomplished. Keep up the great tradition and long live the PBJ sandwiches.

Posted by: Roger Coffey | July 24, 2008 10:41 AM

Congrats. It is nice to be recognized for your excellence in so many areas, including the Espirit de Corps (my favorite, because I love the spirit of helping and because this is the only one I understand!) I am looking forward to your return.

Meanwhile, if you ever do PBJ again, may I suggest adding a banana in addition to "designer" flavors.

Posted by: Ann Somers | July 24, 2008 12:31 PM