The news just came out yesterday. It is quite tough to say it out or even type it. SpectruM suffered a steering damage during a qualification run for American Solar Challenge 2003 in Wisconsin. As a result, University of Michigan Solar Car Team, the winner of American Solar Challenge 2001, the reigning champion is not competing in the ongoing race that started yesterday.
Below is Josh Harmsen’s email the sponsors and to the team members:
Friends and Sponsors,
It breaks my heart to announce this, but Michigan will not be participating in the 2003 American Solar Challenge. While qualifying for the race this last week in Wisconsin, the car suffered steering system failures which did not allow SpectruM to qualify for and enter the race.
Although not being able to compete in this summer’s ASC was devastating to all those involved with the project, the team is committed to using this experience as a building lock for future success.
This is not the end for SpectruM! According to ASC race officials, SpectruM is “one of the most advanced and innovative Solar Cars ever built.”
During the next month, the team will be displaying SpectruM and the team’s sponsors at the Concourse D’Elegance auto show in Cranbrook, the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City.
The team is also exploring the possibility of racing SpectruM this October in the World Solar Challenge in Australia, as well as participating in the inaugural 2004 Phaethon Hellas Solar Rally held in Greece before the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens.
On behalf of the team, I would like to thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working together with you to achieve continued and future success.
Thanks and GO BLUE!!!!
Josh Harmsen
Project Manager
University of Michigan Solar Car Team
