WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Solar Competition Rain or Shine

Solar Competition Rain or Shine

Williston, Vermont - May 19, 2007

No sunshine was "no problem" Saturday for a bunch of creative kids who competed in the 15th annual solar car races in Williston.

It was boys and girls "connect your batteries" for the solar car races at the Williston Central School.  "It's pretty nerve-wracking. Well you don't know if you're going to win or lose and it's very scary," said Emily Dykes, a 4th grade competitor from Williston.

Scary in part because, after all, these are solar-powered cars and there was no sun. But that was no problem, they just went to plan B -- that's "B" as in battery.  "We would use a solar panel if the sun was out, I was gonna put ours right here and just connect the wires," Dykes said.

For the last 15 years, teams of Williston kids middle school student have designed, built and drag-raced their own solar cars as part of the national competition. "The cars are much stronger this year than they were last year," said Mike Thompson, a Williston Design and Tech Teacher.

Some cars were very fast and some were also very fancy. "We just kind of designed our own and just painted on it whatever we wanted," said Emi Averill of Williston.

In the end Emily Dykes was jumping with joy because her car, built by her best friend, was faster than light. So who needs the sun anyway.

Brian Joyce - WCAX News