Solar Storms Solar Car Team

July 22, 2026

The Solar Storms team began the day with a working race car after an incredible late-night repair session. The determination from the night before paid off as the car ran smoothly through the morning, reaching both the scheduled break stop and the lunch stop without any issues. After everything they had overcome, there was a real sense of excitement and relief. It finally felt like the team had their momentum back.

As the day continued, however, a new challenge emerged. Although the replacement battery was performing as expected, the car’s electrical system struggled to communicate with the new battery. The electronics began acting unpredictably, forcing the team to stop twice to troubleshoot. Each time they were able to get the car moving again, hoping the problem had been solved.

The electrical system finally gave in, bringing the car to another stop. The evening became another test of perseverance. From 6-9pm the students worked in a 100-degree Home Depot parking lot searching for a solution. As darkness approached, one final hurdle remained-getting enough power into the battery to bring the car back to life.

With the sun nearly below the horizon, the team carefully tipped the solar car onto its side, positioning the solar array to capture the very last rays of sunlight. At approximately 8:50pm, those final moments of daylight produced just enough energy to jump-start the battery. The car came back to life.

Over the past several days, this team has worked harder than they ever have before. They have endured scorching temperatures, long hours, mechanical failures, and constant uncertainty, yet they continue to show up with determination and grit. Every student has stepped up , every mentor has poured in countless hours, and every challenge has made the steam stronger. No matter what happens in the standings, the perseverance, teamwork, and resilience these students have demonstrated are victories that will last far beyond this race.