Brooks Solar 2nd in 2007 Solar Drag Race

After winning the 2006 Solar Drag Race with a disappointing time, we spent most of the winter working on a completely new Photon Phantom II solar drag racer.

We started with a shortened version so we could fit it in the garage during the winter. We used plywood to simulate the size and weight of the solar modules we planned to use.



The new design included a much lighter frame than last year, a completely rebuilt “transmission”, a new motor, and a rear set of modules that lift to allow the driver to get in.


When spring finally arrived, we move the project outside and expanded the frame to it’s full 20’ length.


With the modules on, the racer looked pretty cool!


We exhibited the Photon Phantom II at the 2007 Advanced Vehicle Innovations Summit in Wenatchee in June.


Race day, Summer Solstice, was mostly sunny, but later overcast conditions affected everyone’s performance.


And we’re off ...


But a talented team from South Whidbey High School, competing in the Open Division, beat us handily with a lighter frame and better electronic controls. We were both using identical motor and PV arrays.


The South Whidbey High School team set a new record of 29.5 seconds to complete the 1/4 kilometer drag race course.

Despite the cloudy conditions, a good time was had by all.


For more details, see the official Solar Drag Race web site at http://users.applecapital.net/~jim/solardragrace.htm