Students aim for solar car race

Rice has never entered the popular biennual race, which
last year included entrants from 25 universities and a half
dozen corporations.
“We hope to leave a legacy and start something that’s
going to be an ongoing tradition here at Rice,” said
Ben Harper, president of the 30-member Rice University Solar
Car Team.

Harper and his friends became interested in the race after
hearing about the experiences of a friend who competed at
another school before transferring to Rice.

After almost 18 months of planning, the team is getting
ready to start construction on their car this summer. By
October, Harper says, they should have a basic frame, drive
train and outer shell. The group is still working to raise
the $18,000 needed to purchase the car’s motor —
the most expensive component of the car.

To meet other costs, as well as travel expenses for the
drivers and support team members, the team will need about
$100,000. They are well on their way, with $30,000 in commitments
for cash and donated equipment, said Lindsay Roemmich, the
team’s fundraising director.