During the race, the team overcame several difficulties and obstacles, including a flat on the car’s single rear wheel, a battery management system shutdown caused by voltage dropping below its threshold, and periods of cloud cover that reduced solar power availability.
“We had many challenges that required quick and decisive responses from our team to stay on track,” said Colin Sadowitz, the team’s strategist and rising senior majoring in computer science. “I’m grateful for the team’s technical expertise, our observer’s thoughts and feedback, and our advisor’s leadership to help get us back on track to continue competing.”
Looking ahead, Phoenix Racing is elevating its game by returning to the Formula Sun Grand Prix and aiming to qualify for the American Solar Challenge next year, a 1,500- to 2,000-mile cross-country solar endurance rally.
“We hope to optimize efficiency, strategy, and team cohesiveness, all while maintaining the reliability we have had this year,” Blackwell said. “I’m extremely thankful for the unyielding support of the Florida Poly family, our title sponsor TECO, and the rest of our sponsors who helped make it all possible. Can’t wait to see what we’ll do next year!”
For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.
About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
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