OSU Solar Vehicle Team places first at Major Track Race

The Oregon State University Solar Vehicle Team took home gold at last week’s Formula Sun Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The team drove the vehicle that they designed and built 656 miles and 193 laps around the Circuit of the Americas track. OSU competed against 11 other University teams from across the country. They were followed closely […]

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July 5, 2013

The Oregon State University Solar Vehicle Team took home gold at last week’s Formula Sun Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The team drove the vehicle that they designed and built 656 miles and 193 laps around the Circuit of the Americas track. OSU competed against 11 other University teams from across the country. They were followed closely by Illinois State University team, who completed 192 laps, and by the Iowa State University team who completed 191 laps.

Oregon State University's vehicle "The Phoenix" completed 656 miles on pure solar energy.
Oregon State University's vehicle "The Phoenix" completed 656 miles on pure solar energy.

The cooperative style of the race allows teams to help each other out, by contributing parts and materials to each other’s vehicles in case of maintenance issues or emergencies. OSU was able to go on with the race thanks to contributions by the Northwestern University team, as well as the Missouri University of Science and Technology team. The OSU team also contributed a great amount of assistance to other teams, and was given the sportsmanship award by race officials.

The team hosted a “Welcome-Home Celebration” in Corvallis on Friday evening, which allowed family and friends of teammates to view the vehicle they spent countless hours constructing.

The team celebrates a 1st place victory at the Circuit of Americas track in Austin, Texas.
The team celebrates a 1st place victory at the Circuit of Americas track in Austin, Texas.

As the team winds down from one competition season, they begin to prepare to for another. They have begun creating design plans for their next vehicle, which they plan to compete with in the 2014 American Solar Challenge, a track and road race.

To learn more information about the team, visit their website by clicking here or for more frequent updates, like their Facebook page.

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