Annual Reports

New Car Construction:

After Alpha Centauri was retired due to a change in competition rules, our team voted to build a new car in the Cruiser division. We began by designing the new car’s frame and body, then moved into fabrication. Our prototype is being constructed from mild steel; with the installation of seats, roll bars, and suspension, we have made steady progress toward a fully rollable prototype.

In parallel, we are developing a carbon-fiber frame, which will serve as the official frame for the race. On the electrical side, we have selected our batteries and motors and completed several subsystems. All components are mapped out in a fully functional electrical schematic that demonstrates the complete system design.

Financially, the team is in strong standing. We have secured nearly three-quarters of our funding goal, putting us in a solid position to support both vehicle development and race expenses.

The 2023 Race: 

This year's race was our most successful season as measured by miles driven and the overall outcome. We achieved second place in the advanced division and drove 353 miles. The cross country race was cancelled when we got to El Paso because of a COVID outbreak among the judges. 

The Preparation: 

The team layed up a new body and did a whole new solar array that involved soldering every solar cell and encapsulating them into modules. The team was the most prepared we had ever been. We were able to come with very detailed drawings created using SolidWorks (CAD drawing software.) The team was very prepared and disciplined. We passed scrutineering with a day to spare. (Scrutineering is a process where teams test the cars and have them inspected by the judges for safety.).