Blue Sky: October 23, 2007

On Tuesday, the team began the day in Tennant Creek. It was beautiful and sunny out. Over the course of the morning, the solar car managed to pass several teams and maintain a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour. Also, it managed to reclaim its position of first Canadian team in the running. At midday, it rained for two hours and slowed all the teams down. Unfortunately, Blue Sky was unable to make it to Alice Springs by that evening. That being said, the team's spirits are great, and there have been no further mechanical or electrical breakdowns.

Blue Sky

Blue Sky: Update October 22, 2007

On Sunday, October 21, Blue Sky competed in the qualifying race, and placed sixth in the world out of 43 teams with the fastest time from Canada, and just behind the world champions from last year. On Monday, the race began. The team experienced some mechanical failures and electrical difficulties, which set them back to the middle of the race pack. However, the car is performing beyond expectations, and the team is confident that they will be able to reclaim ground. Everyone's spirits are very high. The team is currently in Blanca Blanca, and hopes to make Alice Springs by Tuesday evening. Alice Springs is the midway point on the race, and speech will be given there.

Blue Sky

Blue Sky: October 19th, 2007

Hidden Valley Race-Way, Darwin

It’s 34 degrees and the pavement is hot. An official has been doing rounds warning teams not to venture out in the sun barefoot; and for the most part they listen. Having passed scrutinizing the team is now focused on the race start, and fine tuning the car for the dynamic testing tomorrow. Several laps reveal that the wheel covers need to be adjusted to fit properly on the car. It seems that under the intense heat both the car and the team are being stressed. Although the adjustments are minor Dmitri, Mitren, Chris, Amanda and Nimeesha work tirelessly throughout the day to get them working.

In the afternoon, some of the team venture into Darwin to find some parts for the car. The search is difficult but the team finds many helpful hands. In the end we find what we need and manage to get the parts at no cost. The race is a big draw for the community, and everyone has been extremely helpful getting teams ready for the big day. The team also returns to the pits with a copy of the Northern Territory News; the local newspaper in Darwin. Out of 43 local and international teams, they decided to print a story on us. There is a buzz in the shop. The article is posted on the wall for passers by to read.

Working with the sound of clanging wrenches and revving generators, the electrical team made up of Tom, Henry and Josh huddle in one corner of the pit bay over a computer. They spend the day seemingly lost in the mess of wires and meters as they try and find ways to get more power from the solar array. Shuttling between both groups, Amy and Ahthavan provide helping hands and clean tools to aid the efforts.

By the time the sun sets the electrical group has succeeded in raising Ceruleans input power by 10 percent. The gains will come in handy in tomorrow’s time trials. Soon after the fearings are complete and the team sits for a break. By now many other teams have gone home to rest, but some persist. The University of Calgary has been having problems, and some of the teams goes over to help; tomorrow is a long day.

Blue Sky

Blue Sky: October 17th, 2007

After over two years of work, Blue Sky has officially registered in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge. We maneuvered our way through the small pile of paperwork and regulatory scrutineering. In the scrutineering check, the drivers were weighed in and ballasted up to the required amount, the mechanical systems were checked for safety and adherence to the regulations, and the batteries were weighed and sealed. The team came through with a clear pass ready to take on the dynamic tests on Saturday.

The rest of the day was filled with tuning and testing. All three drivers did laps around the track, testing top speed and maneuverability.  The rest of the team got friendly with neighboring teams, exchanging tools back and forth, and swapping stories. There are a total of 6 Canadian teams at the event, the most from any one country.

The main local newspaper in Darwin came by and was intrigued enough by our car to highlight it in their coverage of the WSC. A few questions and lots of photos later they had a story, and we are looking forward to picking up the paper tomorrow.

Blue Sky