Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Rayce Day 3 - Sweet taste of success
The short night was rough for the team, but they know what's at stake, so they carry on their duties early in the morning. Day 3 starts relatively well, with the team optimistically rushing around to prepare for a long day of driving. The weather's improved. The car should run well, but some electrical readings seem off.
Soon after though, team stress peaks as the cell balancing problems are still not cured while other electrical problems seem to be arising. Regardless, the team carries on attempting to leave the checkpoint early in the morning.
At around 9:30 AM, the caravan starts moving. They hope to perhaps rack up a few miles, knowing they have problems, then trailer to the next checkpoint once again.
To the team's surprise, the car works better than they thought. It's a nice day, and the car's getting power now, so the batteries are not so stressed and the car can hold its own. Before they knew it, they hit 110 miles. A driver change was in order.
The car was a popular attraction in small-town Neodesha. It wasn't long before the pretty r3 Solar Car was completely surrounded by local towsfolk. The driver change went very smoothly, and in short time, the car was whirring down the road once again towards the next checkpoint.
The team had evolved well, now only in their third day ever of running a solar car on public roads. Everything ran like clockwork. Lead, Red River Raycer, chase, scout and trailer all in step, all complimenting each other. The coordination was just as nice as any piece installed in this immaculate machine.
To even their own amazement, they completed the entire stage, all on solar power alone. It was a small victory for the team, one they hope they can repeat often in the rayce. This stage was 212 miles long, average for this competition.
Tomorrow, onto Omaha!
Soon after though, team stress peaks as the cell balancing problems are still not cured while other electrical problems seem to be arising. Regardless, the team carries on attempting to leave the checkpoint early in the morning.
At around 9:30 AM, the caravan starts moving. They hope to perhaps rack up a few miles, knowing they have problems, then trailer to the next checkpoint once again.
To the team's surprise, the car works better than they thought. It's a nice day, and the car's getting power now, so the batteries are not so stressed and the car can hold its own. Before they knew it, they hit 110 miles. A driver change was in order.
The car was a popular attraction in small-town Neodesha. It wasn't long before the pretty r3 Solar Car was completely surrounded by local towsfolk. The driver change went very smoothly, and in short time, the car was whirring down the road once again towards the next checkpoint.
The team had evolved well, now only in their third day ever of running a solar car on public roads. Everything ran like clockwork. Lead, Red River Raycer, chase, scout and trailer all in step, all complimenting each other. The coordination was just as nice as any piece installed in this immaculate machine.
To even their own amazement, they completed the entire stage, all on solar power alone. It was a small victory for the team, one they hope they can repeat often in the rayce. This stage was 212 miles long, average for this competition.
Tomorrow, onto Omaha!
Comments:
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You guys are heroes, die hards, and true racers. You've done an incredible job. I wish I could have gone on the rayce with you.
# posted by 
: 8:58 am
: 8:58 am
You guys are amazing. I can't wait to see you all here. And Bob, thanks for keeping us up to date!
# posted by : 10:19 am
: 10:19 am
I hope that you all rested well last night. You guys are an incredible "TEAM" and it shows. See you soon in Winnipeg.
# posted by : 10:21 am
: 10:21 am
Mission Control 12:45 Update
I just talked to Philip and our team is just heading into Omaha Nebraska. The GPS is acting up so ignore the NASC web page today. The are averaging 45-50 mph. One battery cell is still acting up but the are plugging on. They are also still on the original tires.
I just talked to Philip and our team is just heading into Omaha Nebraska. The GPS is acting up so ignore the NASC web page today. The are averaging 45-50 mph. One battery cell is still acting up but the are plugging on. They are also still on the original tires.
# posted by : 12:55 pm
: 12:55 pm
Outstanding results. You guys may be frustrated by some of the difficulties, but when you look at what RRC has accomplished, you have to be proud. I know that those of us that are following your progress on the web, have nothing but admiration and wish we could be there.
Wishing you sunny days.
Wishing you sunny days.
# posted by : 3:32 pm
: 3:32 pm
Go Team!
Remember (or download the MP3 if you are a bit younger) THE 5TH DIMENSION'S lyrics from the 60's - "Aquarius / Let The Sun Shine In" :
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
Remember (or download the MP3 if you are a bit younger) THE 5TH DIMENSION'S lyrics from the 60's - "Aquarius / Let The Sun Shine In" :
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
Let the sunshine, let the sunshine in, the sunshine in
# posted by : 6:03 pm
: 6:03 pm
Hi Bob: from dad
For a rookie effort, you guys are making great progess. Stay in the race, make the commitment, learn and do it again... Never fail to keep it up and you will be one of the BEST.
For a rookie effort, you guys are making great progess. Stay in the race, make the commitment, learn and do it again... Never fail to keep it up and you will be one of the BEST.
# posted by : 10:14 pm
: 10:14 pm
There are so many people at the Princess campus following your progress. Sorry that you cannot see the attention you are getting. It is a hell of an ordeal, but for all of you it will be a great memory. So ignore the petty stuff and keep your eyes on the finish line.
# posted by : 12:18 am
: 12:18 am
Hello race fans
The Red River Raycer is doing great. Ignore the N.A.S.C. web page. Our team’s G.P.S. is not working so their position is wrong.
I just talked to the team at 8:45am Thursay 21 July and they were waiting out the mandatory 30 minute delay at the Sioux Falls check point. Tim, one of the drivers, says the car drives beautifully. Traveling down a hill they have had it up to 110 kph! On flat land the have been keeping it around 70 kph.
Dean (a.k.a. Mission Control)
The Red River Raycer is doing great. Ignore the N.A.S.C. web page. Our team’s G.P.S. is not working so their position is wrong.
I just talked to the team at 8:45am Thursay 21 July and they were waiting out the mandatory 30 minute delay at the Sioux Falls check point. Tim, one of the drivers, says the car drives beautifully. Traveling down a hill they have had it up to 110 kph! On flat land the have been keeping it around 70 kph.
Dean (a.k.a. Mission Control)
# posted by : 9:14 am
: 9:14 am
GPS is now working, or so it seems. RRC is ahead of some open class ccars. Whoppee!!
Jeff Couch
Jeff Couch
# posted by : 10:28 am
: 10:28 am
Our team has not moved for quite a while now. I wonder if the GPS is acting up again?
# posted by : 12:13 pm
: 12:13 pm
According to a good informant, the Raycer is in Sioux Falls changing a bad cell battery. They should be in Winnipeg by Saturday.
# posted by : 6:44 pm
: 6:44 pm
Hi All,
The team had a bad battery cell that was repaired. The team is ready to run tommorow so please send them your best wishes.
The team had a bad battery cell that was repaired. The team is ready to run tommorow so please send them your best wishes.
# posted by : 8:57 pm
: 8:57 pm
from Wpg. one of the Mrs. of a chase car driver/ navigator. Talk about 8pm GPS not working hasn't worked most of the day. They are in Pipestone Minnesota. Hopeing to make it to Fargo Friday. Wpg. Saturday. You're still in the rayce guys hang in there anything can still happen.
# posted by : 9:01 pm
: 9:01 pm
I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the open house in Winnipeg on Saturday 1100 to 3 pm. Hard work, sweat, disappointment and frustration will always bring great rewards, if not now, then someday.
# posted by : 11:50 pm
: 11:50 pm
Way to go Red River team. I know of many people, from inside the college as well as outside the college who are extremely proud of what you have accomplished. With hard work and perseverence comes success. Keep up the good work and may you be blessed with sunny skies.
# posted by : 7:54 am
: 7:54 am
I think it's great how you guys have done. Yes there were problems and some of them are major ones. This is something new to all those invoved. I have been designing products for 20 years and they still don't turn out perfect (pretty dam good though). This is a very complex project. More than a lot of people would think. Other teams that have done this before are also having problems. I think it is fantastic how far you have come.
# posted by : 8:01 am
: 8:01 am
Just left the Red River College today, your competitiors can not believe what you guys have designed,created and manufactured all within ten months.
They also didn't know that most of the entire car was built at the College by the students and faculty.
Now that is feather in ones cap...
See you tomorrow..
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They also didn't know that most of the entire car was built at the College by the students and faculty.
Now that is feather in ones cap...
See you tomorrow..
# posted by : 1:14 pm
: 1:14 pm<< Home
