Solar-Powered Speed Demon: New Cannonball Run Record Shattered

The Sun Sets on the Cannonball: A Solar-Powered Record Run

The Cannonball Run, a legendary cross-country race where speed demons push the limits of endurance and the law, has always been about one thing: breaking records. Yet, in its latest chapter, the race took a dramatic turn, leaving behind roaring engines and gasoline fumes for the silent power of the sun. In a feat that defies conventional notions of speed and innovation, three young engineers from Michigan, Will Jones, Kyle Samluk, and Danny Ezzo, completed the historic route in a solar-powered car named Sunstrider.

Their journey, spanning 13 days, 15 hours, and 19 minutes, was a testament to their audacious ambition and passion for pushing the boundaries of renewable energy. While their record pales in comparison to the 25-hour mark achieved by a modified internal combustion engine vehicle in 2020, their accomplishment stands as an unprecedented milestone: the first successful Cannonball Run by a solar-powered car.

This wasn’t the first time this trio had attempted to conquer the 3,000-mile journey with the sun as their fuel. Back in 2021, their initial attempt was cut short due to a motor controller failure, leaving them stranded in Logansport, Indiana. Undeterred, they meticulously analyzed their setbacks and embarked on a relentless mission to refine their craft.

Inspired by their shared passion for engineering and fuelled by the competitive spirit they honed during their time in college, the team dedicated countless hours, often working through the night, to perfect their design. The result was Sunstrider: a streamlined machine constructed from a mix of repurposed materials and cutting-edge technology.

"Nobody’s ever done it before," emphasized Ezzo, reflecting on the sheer audacity of their endeavor. "It was a challenge for everybody involved."

Sunstrider, despite its futuristic appearance, wasn’t a marvel of automotive luxury. It was a testament to ingenuity and resourcefulness, built with a blend of recycled materials, including corrugated plastic, 3D-printed parts, and a custom-made 320-cell battery pack. Even its wheels were repurposed bicycle wheels, a design choice the team acknowledged could be a point of improvement for future runs.

The cockpit, designed with the tallest driver in mind, offered a reclined position reminiscent of a recumbent bike. Steering was achieved through a set of handlebars, while the accelerator and front brake pedals offered control. The team relied heavily on mountain bike brakes for the rear wheels, highlighting their commitment to integrating readily available, reliable components.

Despite its humble origins, Sunstrider delivered a remarkable performance, reaching a top speed of 51 mph on the downhill stretch of Angeles Crest. The three engineers, along with their fellow driver, Brett Cesar, took turns behind the wheel, meticulously rotating driving stints in good weather conditions. These stints were shortened to 30-45 minutes through the harsh desert environment, with members continuously monitoring each other’s well-being to avoid heat stroke and dehydration.

The journey was not without its challenges. Overpowering desert heat pushed the vehicle and its occupants to the limit, and a broken charge controller in Desert Center required a quick fix. On the open road, the team encountered a curious twist: law enforcement, often a fixture in the Cannonball Run’s history, pulled them over twice in Ohio, not for speeding but for driving too slowly.

"One officer even took photos of the car and told us to speed up because we were impeding traffic, even though we were going the speed limit," recalled Ezzo, highlighting the irony of being cited for being too cautious.

Despite their unconventional vehicle and slow pace, Sunstrider and its crew garnered attention from fellow motorists. People were captivated by the spacecraft-like design, snapping pictures and offering encouragement. For the team, the journey was a powerful message about the transformative potential of solar energy. It was a testament to their unwavering belief in its capabilities and a compelling demonstration of its practical application.

While their record-breaking run secured their place in Cannonball history, the team recognizes that real life has its own demands. Jones has accepted a position at SpaceX, Samluk is joining Ford, and Ezzo continues his studies at Michigan Tech. Their individual paths may lead them in different directions, but the experience of the Cannonball Sun will forever bind them.

"It means a ton to us as a team," Ezzo reflected. "All the 100-hour weeks, skipped family gatherings, and sacrifices we’ve made were all worth it."

Their journey serves as a potent reminder that innovation often thrives in the face of adversity and that even the most established traditions can be challenged by the power of ingenuity and a relentless pursuit of dreams. The Cannonball Sun has not only rewritten the rules of the road but also offered a glimpse into a future where the sun’s energy could power our lives, transcending the limitations of conventional fuel.

Their record-breaking run stands as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, more sustainable future, demonstrating that the age of solar power is not just dawning, it is already here, carving its own path in the history of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. It’s a message that resonates far beyond the pavement of the Cannonball Run, challenging us to embrace the power of the sun and its potential to transform our world.

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