Solar Storms Solar Car Team

July 20, 2026

Day 2 of racing reminded the team that endurance racing is just as much about problem-solving as it is about driving. The morning began with only 30% battery charge, and with thick cloud cover blocking the sun, the solar array wasn’t able to replenish the battery before the start. After reaching the first checkpoint, the team made the strategic decision to extend their stop beyond the required 15 minutes, charging the battery to 80% before heading back onto the course.

The strategy worked well, and the team continued making steady progress until just one mile before the lunch stop. After hitting several large bumps along the side of the road, the car suddenly came to a stop. Suspecting the rough road may have damaged part of the electrical system, the team trailered the car the final mile to the lunch stop and immediately got to work diagnosing the problem.

Right now, the battery appears to be the most likely culprit, though the team is still working to confirm the exact issue. If it can be repaired, they’ll fix it and continue racing. If a replacement battery is needed, they can borrow one from another team, but doing so would result in a 50-mile penalty. With tomorrow’s stage covering fewer miles, the team is carefully weighing whether it’s better to spend the day making repairs or accept the penalty and get back on the road as quickly as possible.

This evening, the team is taking a well-earned break in the hotel pool while talking through every option and preparing for whatever tomorrow brings. Regardless of the decision, one thing is certain: this first-year team has already driven more than 100 miles in a solar car they designed and built themselves. That achievement alone is something to be incredibly proud of, and the determination they’ve shown over the past two days proves that the Solar Storms are built to weather more than just sunshine.