Frankfort, KY. - TOPY, a local wheel manufacturer, is helping the University of Kentucky Solar Car Team design 16-inch aluminum wheels for their fourth racecar. The company also made an undisclosed financial contribution. Tom Trzaskus, headquarters director for TOPY, said a number of the company’s engineers and managers are UK graduates, and that inspired them to get involved. TOPY engineer Grant Baker graduated from UK in 2004 and knows some of the solar power team members. He’s helping the students determine the strength and durability of the wheels. Team Manager Sam Nicaise, a senior studying electrical engineering, said TOPY’s support has been important in making the new wheels safe and efficient. His team lacked the knowledge and expertise to design them, he said.

“We get support from companies around the world, but it’s great to have a local company that steps up and provides the assistance that they have,” Nicaise said. The team’s current solar-powered car includes 168 lithium-polymer batteries, an electric motor, an array of solar panels and a digital data system. They named it Gato del Sol III, which is Spanish for “Cat of the Sun.” It’s named for the 1982 Derby winner, which was owned by Arthur Hancock’s Stone Farm in Bourbon County. More...