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Solar Car Team Finishes Third at FSGP, Breaks Fastest Lap Record

July 16, 2019

One year after a broken left suspension prevented them from competing, the UK Solar Car Team earned its highest finish since 2009 and shattered the fastest lap record.

During the first week of July, the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team competed in the Formula Sun Grand Prix, which was held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. By putting their engineering skills to use in adverse circumstances, the team overcame challenges and finished third in the event. This was the team’s best finish since placing second in 2009.  

Additionally, the UK Solar Car Team broke the record for fastest lap by an astonishing 42 seconds. The former record, previously held by Iowa State University, was four minutes, thirty seconds. The UK team posted a three minute, forty-eight second lap to take the honors.

“It will definitely be hard for anyone else to beat that lap time,” said team manager and driver Monon Rahman.

In July 2018, the team traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to compete in the American Solar Challenge; however, a broken left suspension prevented them from getting Gato Del Sol VI onto the course. One year later, they have a top-three finish accompanied by a new place in the record books.

Congratulations, UK Solar Car Team!