The canopy was put on its side to catch the morning sun rays.
Tyler tightened the lock nuts on the wheels.
At 8:00AM we met for our daily meeting.
Team captain, Myles Harris received a trophy for the previous day's race. We had the most miles covered in our division.
Our scheduled departure time was 9:22AM. Until that time, the canopy of the car was situated to catch the morning rays.
The team meets William, who was the day's judge. He quized Brittany about the location and function of safety devices in the car. He also questioned Nick on the proper procedure for the position of the orange cones and flagging when the solar car is on the side of the road.
By nine o'clock people began seeking shade under the large mesquite trees in the park.
Team members prepared for departure.
The new wheels needed air. It was decided that Joe would drive the car to the gas station and Brittany would continue on from there.
Scenery on the road.
An hour or so after departing, the solar car was trailered over some hills and unloaded to a more agreeable location. It was decided to stay a few minutes on the side of the road to allow the batteries time to recharge in the sun. It felt as though one were being baked; the temperature was well over 100° and relief from the heat could only be found within my air conditioned car. A Piper Cherokee circled above to catch a glimpse of the car on the side of the road.
Brittany reflects on her experience driving the car.
Lunch was in Chandler, Arizona. Chandler has a population of over 200,000 and is the largest of the towns that the car was driven into to. Brittany, with the help of Mr. Smith in the lead car and radio communication with her team, did a terrific job of driving through multiple lanes of traffic and many traffic lights.
After lunch the car was trailered through Phoenix and put on the road again in Surprise, Arizona. Joe took over driving in the 105° heat. The inside of the car can get very hot. All the drivers have several bottles of water with them and a portable fan near their feet. Thanks to Chris's mom for donating to each team member a hand held water fan which offers quick relief when needed.
Joe drinks water before going out on the road.
We arrived at our destination, Wickenburg Arizona, on the trailer. It was a couple of hours before sunset and the team wasted no time in positioning the car to catch the last of the day's sun rays. Brittany spoke to some interested onlookers.
Nick explains to and learns from a solar panel aficionado. I am sorry the volume is so low; I am using my cell phone and it does not pick up well from a distance.
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