Countdown to Race Day: Six Days

After a smooth and safe trip down to Austin, Texas, the team checked into the race headquarters and attended the kickoff meeting Sunday night. With all teams and cars present, the race is looking to be very competitive. Following the meeting, the team gave the car its final once over to get ready for scrutineering.

Monday morning brought promise of 100+ degree temperatures and plenty of activity getting the car inspected. The team's rigorous preparations paid off as we made it through battery protection, mechanical, array, electrical, caravan safety and the slalom course stations with only two minor issues. The team worked extremely well together to meet and exceed the requests of the scrutineers to produce a safe and reliable race car. Tomorrow will bring the final two stations of driver and "body and sizing" required earn full qualification for NASC.

The team is in good spirits with food in their stomachs and pillows under their heads for the night. Take a look at the photo album posted under NASC 2005 to the right and look for more daily updates as we near the beginning of the race!

July 11, 2005

Comments:

 Trevre Andrews (Former Iron Man to the new champion William Blee)
What in the good lord's name did michigan latch to the top of their van? I sure hope I can sit on it or eat out of it, otherwise that thing will be costing them big time in the green caravan competition. Who ever gave that rag tag bunch of minnesotan's keys and a purpose doesn't know what they got themselves into. Between pirate flags, the kamikaze squad, and that six foot piece of cotten candy if you don't win the rayce you will make a god awful distraction.

Posted by: Trevre Andrews (Former Iron Man to the new champion William Blee) | July 12, 2005 at 12:25 AM

 Texas Longhorn
What kind of space age shinanigans has the DOE brought to TX this time? Are you telling me I should give up my truck for one of them hovering solar cars? I will have to pass. In my book no vehicle without four wheel drive serves a lot of purpose but I will cheer ya on just because you are the toughest lookin bunch out there. I would be happy to pull ya out of the mud if ya get stuck.

-Texas Longhorn
CB channel 32

Posted by: Texas Longhorn | July 12, 2005 at 12:38 AM

 Photo Mama
Lookin' good! I especially applaud the slalom photo--one can really get a feel for the turns and a sense of perspective and depth for the course. Congrats on all the scrutineering successes thus far. I think the matching headbands are clearly making a difference, too, given the back-to-back Esprit de Corps honors in your back pockets. Go team-UMN!! Keep the photos coming. We're behind you all the way.

Posted by: Photo Mama | July 12, 2005 at 12:57 AM

 Aaron Westman
You've got to be kidding me about that array on the side. That is sick.

PS Post more pictures of the car. I need more pictures.

Posted by: Aaron Westman | July 12, 2005 at 02:14 PM

 MIkeJ
Hey guys,

Great job so far! Looks like another boring scrutineering week for you. I hope you guys all brought nunchukas to play with while you wait for all the other teams to catch up, just dont play by the car. Say I to my friend Steve McD for me.

Posted by: MIkeJ | July 12, 2005 at 03:24 PM

 Photo Mama
Correction: It seems there's a delay between photos and captions. I thought the figure 8 photo was the slalom course, but I still like that photo (and pics are my thing).

Props to everybody in a "go for it" headband. And since someone brought up the array topic, I say "Arrays all around"--very cool!!

U-MI might have fast internet, but that rooftop dish must be a real drag in the aero dept... besides, we know who has the fast car, which is what counts.

I repeat: Go team-UMN!

Posted by: Photo Mama | July 12, 2005 at 03:42 PM

 Brandon Huelman
I agree with Aaron about the array on the side of the car, its awesome. I would like to see more pictures of it. I would also like to see some pics of the fairings as well.

I love the updates, keep up the good work.

Posted by: Brandon Huelman | July 12, 2005 at 05:46 PM

 Jason Halpern
Headbands imported from Japan eh? Flyboy, did you import those sunglasses from Japan too? I am guessing Japan won on that import/export deal :-)

Way to go team on passing scrutineering! You guys and gal look well rested and in great shape to have the car in tip top shape come race start!

Posted by: Jason Halpern | July 12, 2005 at 07:13 PM

 Nick S.
Trevre, kudos on the little brown jug comment on the U-Mich. site.

Posted by: Nick S. | July 12, 2005 at 09:03 PM