Team PrISUm competes in solar car race in Texas

Paige Godden

Team PrISUm is competing at the Formula Sun Grand Prix in Cresson, Texas.

The team arrived Saturday with its solar car ready to race.

They hope to qualify for the American Solar Challenge, a race from Tulsa Okla., to Chicago, Ill., but first they have to pass a series of tests.

The four drivers, Wade Johanns, Erin Kelly, Trevor Dobbs and Evan Stumpges had to pass the egress test, according to the team’s blog.

During the test the drivers have to evacuate the car in less than 10 seconds.

Each driver was able to pass the test Monday, according to the blog.

The team also passed the mechanical inspection.

Trying to pass the battery protection inspection caused the team some delays though, according to the blog.

With the help of the team from the University of Minnesota, the team was able to get clearance of the car’s battery by Tuesday morning.

“If everything goes well tomorrow, we intend to complete the American Solar Challenge qualifying tomorrow during the first day of the Formula Sun Grand Prix. To meet this goal, each of our four drivers must complete 25 laps for a total of 100 laps around the 1.7 mile track,” according to a blog posted Tuesday.

The team wasn’t available for comment Wednesday to say whether or not they had qualified for the American Solar Challenge.

The Challenge goes from June 19-26, and the team’s progress can be watched at their blog.