Michigan has opened up a big lead over the rest of the pack, but surprising Principia is breathing down Big M's neck. Michigan left the Topeka check point with about an hour advantage over the liberal arts school from Elsah, Illinois. Veteran Canadian team Waterloo came in just minutes after Principia blew back out of the Toyota dealership's parking lot, with the beautiful Bochum arriving just shortly after.
This morning's start from Neosho had some surprises as three teams, including sentimental favorite (more on that later) Minnesota, lost power at the start and were moved to the back of the starting line. S&T, tagged for 5th place, moved to 4th due to Minnesota's absence. Just east of Neosho there was a nearly mile-long gaggle of solar car teams, that couldn't spread out until they crossed I-44 near Joplin.
Most of the slower cars may have run their batteries way down under Sunday's Oklahoma clouds, and due to charging limitations probably weren't able to get to full power. They have to use some of the array's power to build up the batteries instead of pushing the car as fast as it can go, because if they run their batteries too low the electronic protection systems kick in and shut the car down.
All of this complex balancing act forces each team to develop a race strategy; how fast to go, what to do if clouds are building, and how much power they'll need tomorrow. Each driver must also drive very efficiently to get the most out of the car, just as you should with your own vehicle. Don't jump on the gas, then brake hard, right? Isn't that what your Driver Ed teacher said? When he wasn't screaming in terror, I mean?