Minnesota has charged back from its late start to arrive in Topeka in 5th place, with Calgary right behind. S&T came in so close after that it seemed they all arrived at once. Differences in solar racing might be as simple as catching a red light here in town or being unlucky enough to wait out a coal train at a rail crossing. The Miners now report that all their batteries are in good shape, and they are running almost completely from the array.

HOLD ON!!! Just as we wrote this Minnesota was getting ready to lower their array when two fire-cracker-like reports from inside their car echoed all the way across the parking lot, and two of their crew jumped away from the car. No way that can be good!! Calgary now slips into the next departure slot, and S&T is putting the array back to follow out right behind. Minnesota's crew is walking around holding their heads and trying to figure out what just happened. Pray for them.

It is 4:03 and Solar Miner just pulled out! We'll be back with more updates tonight.