Principia Is Proud of Solar Car Success

I appreciate the attention given to the University of Michigan’s impressive first place finish in the American Solar Challenge 2001 biannual motor race (Physics Today, September 2001, page 29 ). For the record, Principia College also had an outstanding car, “Ra IV,” that took seventh place in the event, ahead of some 20 university teams. The race was a formidable challenge, following old Route 66 from Chicago to California, over 2300 miles. Principia was the only entry from a small liberal arts college with no engineering curriculum. (Ra IV also gave Principia a first place finish among 19 entries in the two-day “Formula Sun Grand Prix,” held in Michigan.) Principia’s solar car effort involves about 20 students and is headed by two faculty members. A project like this is an education unto itself. Students learn the value of teamwork, as well as the mechanical and electrical details, in designing and building the cars. They are necessarily engaged in fund-raising, finding sponsors, handling publicity, and determining race strategy. The activities required in such a project provide a strong background beyond the classroom, and propel students to a high level of performance and responsibility.