It was recently brought to my attention that an off-the-cuff remark I made in July about a solar car was totally off base.
I apologize to the Saint Thomas Academy for the comment that assumed a big budget for their magnificent car, suggesting that it gave them an unfair advantage in the solar car race. I stand corrected that their budget was actually no more than that of the Walnut Solar car. (So why did our Walnut Solar car look like it came out of a crackerjack box??) The car was impressively completely built by students without outside help. It indeed was the team’s experience, expertise, commitment, and hard work that produced such an incredible car. The Saint Thomas Academy, as you can see, is so professionally done that at first glance, I assumed they must have done it with a lot of money. Now that I have the facts straight, I am certainly even more impressed; amazing what a group of high school students has accomplished.
I would like to also comment on Saint Thomas’ display of good sportsmanship during the race. Daily trophies were given to the team who drove the most miles for that day. Saint Thomas gave up their day’s trophy to our team to recognize us for our good results of the day even though we did not drive as many miles as they. That very nice gesture set a good example for all the teams in defining the meaning of the “spirit of solar car racing.”
I must admit, my comment in July was somewhat “sour grapes”. I do apologize again for misleading and offending anyone.
Actually, the Saint Thomas car inspired the Walnut Solar team to try a similar design this year. It is not being built in my garage this time, so I am not up to date on the progress. My daughter Audrey is still on the team, and there are many new members. I hope the car will look as “professional” as the Saint Thomas car. Actually, I just hope they can finish the car on time, no matter what it looks like!