Saturday, June 23 marks the date for the Third Annual World’s Only Solar Drag Race. As in previous years, racers will compete head-to-head in front of the Confluence Technology Center, 285 Technology Center Way (just off Penny Road). Race time is 11am to 2pm. 

This year’s race is sponsored by Advanced Vehicle Innovations (www.PluginCenter.com) and by REC-Silicon, the world’s largest dedicated producer of solar-grade silicon. The event will feature four dragsters: Brooks Solar, defending 2006 overall champion; Central Washington University, defending collegiate champion; Republic High School (Ferry County); and South Whidbey High School. A new high school champion will be crowned this year as defending champ Chehalis High School will not compete. Plans are already underway to add a Junior Solar Sprint division race in 2008 for middle schools. 

Spectators are encouraged to come check out the dragsters (some up to 20 feet long), cheer for their favorites and get inspired about uses of solar energy. They’ll also have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a solar go-cart (ages 9+ years), play in a solar water fountain, munch on solar popped popcorn and get a look at Port of Chelan County’s Plug-in Hybrid Electric Toyota Prius. The Prius was converted at Wenatchee Valley College through Advanced Vehicle Innovations. KING 5’s Evening Magazine crew will on hand from Seattle to cover the entire event.

Solar drag racing was conceived by Dr. Jim White, Chelan County PUD, who won the inaugural event in 2005. Jim’s role this year will be as event coordinator. He explained how the competition works. “Racers must rely exclusively on sunlight captured by their vehicles’ solar cells (or thermal engines) to generate power over the ¼ kilometer [820 foot] race course,” he said.” No batteries or other pre-charged energy devices are allowed. Racers start from zero and accelerate down a straight track. To accelerate quickly requires efficient solar cells, lightweight construction, aerodynamics and some type of efficient transmission system between the wheels and motor.”

To date competitors have had less than one horsepower to work with. While that doesn’t sound like much power, Brooks Solar has clocked racing speeds as high as 17 mph with a bicycle speedometer. As the technology continues to improve, racers may eventually achieve the two horsepower mark.

“We encourage everyone to come,” White exclaimed. “It’s lots of fun and very educational!” For more information go to www.solardragrace.com or call Jim White at 661-4829