Page 5 - Aerotech News and Review July 15 2016

Palmdale Solar Falcon ready for Solar Car Challenge

by Linda KC Reynolds
staff writer

Palmdale High School’s Solar Falcon Race Team unveiled Photograph by Linda KC Reynolds
their new car, the Solar Falcon 2.0 and will soon be on their
way to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete in the 2016 Solar Car Wrapped and ready to roll—Palmdale High School Principal Kristina Ramos takes a spin after the Solar Falcon Race Team unveiled
Challenge. wthiellirconmewpectaerinanthdep2a0in1t6wSraopla, rthCeaSr oCT:9lha.5”ar lFleanlcgoen, 2.0, in front of their families, sponsors and those who helped make it possible. The team
driving from Fort Worth, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minn., July 17-23.
The cross country-competition will take place July 17-23
and students from around the country will meet at the Texas
Motor Speedway. Vehicles that pass inspection will then start
their journey to Minneapolis, Minn., — approximately 786
miles.

“It just goes to show that if you give kids an opportunity
and guidance, they can truly accomplish anything,” said Antek
Ignatowicz, who teaches chemistry and physics at the school
and serves as the team’s head adviser. “This is an economi-
cally challenged area — without our sponsors and supporters,
our kids would never have the opportunity to experience and
learn the things that this project has provided. It’s been pretty
amazing to see the kids grow and learn so much.”

Sponsors include Lockheed Martin, AVTA, BYD, DJ Rac-
ing Safety Equipment PFMG Solar, Willow Spring Raceway,
The Spaceship Company, Jay Leno’s Garage, California Coat-
ing, Cycle Barn and White Goose Bar Racing.

“Our whole community has been great,” said Bryan Alcan-
tra, CEO of the team. “I’m really thankful for the job Nick at
AVTA did on our wrap job, and everyone at All Promotions
Etc. They have been very good to us.”

The car has had modifications including lengthening and
lifting the suspension about four inches. They also added a
carbon fiber battery box and made moveable solar panels to
follow the sun and reduced the vehicles weight from 1,262
pounds to 1,062 pounds.

“The weight difference alone should help with mileage,”
said Alcantra. “Next year we will be working with The Space-
ship Company to build a whole new car.” Alcantra, a senior,
said he plans on supporting the program for years to come.

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July 15, 2016 Aerotech News and Review 5

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