Illinois State's Solar Car Racing Team has truly come a long way over the past 20 years. From its humble beginnings with a purchased "shell" of a car to becoming a regular podium finisher today, this team has achieved remarkable feats. Let's delve into the details of their journey.

Unleashing the Power of the Sun on the Racing Track

Early Days and the Birth of Mercury 1

Back in 2004, the team started with a car that had no motor or wheels. It was like a blank canvas waiting to be transformed. This initial shell became the foundation for what would eventually become Mercury 1. It was a challenging start, but the team's determination was evident from the very beginning. They set out on a path to harness the power of the sun and make it work for their racing machines.Today, this same spirit of innovation and perseverance continues. The team has evolved and grown, and now they zoom around road courses and compete in cross-country races in Mercury 6. This is a far cry from those early days, but it's a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The Transition to Regular Podium Finishes

In the early years, simply finishing races was a significant achievement. But as the team gained experience and refined their designs, they began to make their mark on the racing scene. Now, they are a regular podium finisher, competing with the best in the field. This is a remarkable accomplishment that showcases their technical expertise and racing skills.The team's success can be attributed to their continuous efforts to improve and innovate. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with solar-powered racing cars. By staying at the forefront of technology and design, they have been able to achieve results that were once thought to be impossible.

The Future and the Build of Mercury 7

The team's journey is far from over. They are now planning to begin the build of Mercury 7, which promises to be another exciting chapter in their story. This new car will incorporate the lessons learned from their past experiences and push the limits of solar-powered racing even further.With their track record of success and their unwavering commitment to excellence, there is no doubt that Mercury 7 will be a force to be reckoned with. The team is excited about the future and looks forward to continuing to make history on the racing track.In conclusion, Illinois State's Solar Car Racing Team has come a long way in 20 years. From a humble beginning to a regular podium finisher, they have shown what can be achieved with determination, innovation, and a passion for racing. As they move forward with the build of Mercury 7, the future looks bright for this remarkable team.