News Summary
The University of Kentucky Solar Car Team is set to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix from July 3-5 at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They will debut their new solar vehicle, Gato del Sol VII, following their success with the previous model. The team, committed to engineering excellence, has been working hard to prepare for the challenges of the competition. With their experience and teamwork, they aim to build on past successes and make a strong impression in solar car racing.
Bowling Green, Kentucky –
The Formula Sun Grand Prix, a prestigious solar car challenge, will take place from July 3-5 at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The University of Kentucky Solar Car Team is gearing up to represent Big Blue Nation, competing alongside more than 30 teams from across the country.
As the competition approaches, the team members are excited about their new vehicle, Gato del Sol VII, which has been developed as the successor to the highly successful Gato del Sol VI. Mechanical engineering senior Clay Parsons, who has been a part of the team since his freshman year, has noted that they have established themselves as one of the top-performing solar car teams in the nation as of 2025.
The UK Solar Car Team is a student-led organization that has been active since 1999. Throughout its history, the team has demonstrated a commitment to engineering excellence and performance, which has resulted in ongoing success in various competitions. The previous vehicle, Gato del Sol VI, served the team well over six years, consistently finishing on the podium and even holding the track record at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Development of Gato del Sol VII
The development of Gato del Sol VII began with initial concepts in 2019, while official construction commenced around 2022. The team has been diligently testing a range of new components for the vehicle, including its suspension, chassis, aeroshell, wheels, and steering systems. This thorough testing is crucial in preparing for the upcoming competition, as it will provide valuable experience for the team.
During the three-day race, teams will aim to complete the most laps, with Souder from the UK team indicating that various challenges may arise due to this being the first real-world test of Gato del Sol VII. This unpredictability adds to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Recent Performance and Expectations
The last time the UK Solar Car Team competed in the Formula Sun Grand Prix was in 2022, where they finished in third place. Team members have high hopes for their performance with Gato del Sol VII, fueled by the knowledge and experience gained while working on Gato del Sol VI. Despite the uncertainties of a new vehicle, the team’s commitment to continuing their success remains strong.
The collaborative spirit among team members is a key element of their experience, further fostering friendships and a positive working environment. This sense of teamwork not only contributes to their engineering projects but also enhances their ability to navigate the challenges of competition.
Looking Ahead
As the Formula Sun Grand Prix approaches, the UK Solar Car Team is excited to showcase their hard work and dedication. The competition serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for growth, as the team strives to build on their past successes and make a mark in the realm of solar car racing. With Gato del Sol VII ready for its debut, the UK team is poised for an exhilarating race ahead.
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Additional Resources
- LEX 18: UK Solar Car Team Preparing for Race in Bowling Green Next Week
- Wikipedia: Solar Car
- ESPN Caribbean: Weekly Highlights
- Google Search: Solar Car Racing
- Lane Report: UK Solar Car Team Has Record-Breaking Success at Formula Sun Grand Prix
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
