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1 		Objective
The object of the Junior Solar Sprint competition is to design and build a vehicle powered by a solar panel that will complete a race track in the shortest possible time.
Each team will be given a solar panel and a motor. Using any other materials, teams will design and build a solar powered vehicle that will race on a 20 meter (65.6 feet) long track. The winner of the competition will be the team whose vehicle is the top finisher in a series of head-to-head races.
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2 		Materials
The vehicle you construct is to be of your teams own design and made from any materials you desire using only the solar panel as a source of energy and the motor that is provided as noted below.
1. Solar Panel (No modifications allowed - must be returned after the race).
2. Electric Motor (No modifications allowed - team may keep this item).
3. Any other materials you collect or choose to use.
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3 		Vehicle Specifications
The vehicle you construct must meet the following requirements.
1. Car Size The car must be no larger than 60cm in length, by 30cm in width, by 30cm in height.
2. Power Source Only sunlight may be used as an energy source - NO BATTERIES permitted.
3. Attachments Everything must be attached to the car so that it does not come off when on the track. The start cover must not touch the car.
4. Guide Wire The vehicle must include a method to attach the car to the guide wire on the track easily without disconnecting the guide wire.
5. Car Body The solar cell cannot be used as the body of the car. Axels, wheels, and motors cannot be attached directly to the cell.
6. Markings The car number must be displayed on the car and at least 3cm by 3cm in size and visible from either the front, side or top. Decals provided by the school must also be displayed on the car.
7. Safety The car must be safe to participants and spectators. No sharp edges, projectiles or the like are allowed.
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4 		Track Specifications
The track you will run your car on will meet the following requirements.
1. Length Distance from the start line to the finish line is 20 meters (65.6 feet).
2. Width Distance between Race lanes will be 1 meter (3.1 feet).
3. Guide Wire Will be located at the center of the race lanes and not more than 1.5cm above the track surface.
4. Surface Will be a hard, flat, smooth surface. Building felt layed down on the tennis courts at the high school.
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5 		Conduct of the Race
The race will be run under the following conditions.
1. Inspections Vehicles will be inspected by the judges prior to the race and may be inspected between heats at the judges discression.
2. Starting At race time, your team will attach the vehicle to the guide wire behind the starting line with all of its wheels touching the track surface and an opaque start cover over the solar panel but not touching it or the vehicle. On the GO signal from the official your team start person will remove the cover allowing the vehicle to collect power and start.
3. Pushing An early push startmay result in either disqualification, forfeiture or a re-run of the heat and will be determined on by the starting judge.
4. Winner All vehicles will be started when the official signal is given. The winner of the heat will be the first vehicle to cross the finish line or the vehicle farthest down the track and will be determined by the finish judge.
5. Team Members Once the cars are ready to start, one team member will be at the start to remove the cover on the signal and one team member will be at the finish line to catch the car, all other team members inside the track area must stay behind the yellow clear zone line marked on the ground Team members may not accompany or touch the vehicle on the track unless instructed to do so by the starting judge.
6. Collecting Cars Vehicles stalled on the track may be retrieved only after the end of the race has been declared by the finish line judge.
7. Fixing Cars Teams may work on their cars between races to fix problems but must stay out of the yellow track zone. Remember that if you are called to the next race and your car is not ready you will forfeit the race - at the start line judges determination.
8. Lane Changes Lane changing or crossing may result in disqualification at the determination of the judges.
9. Format All vehicles will race all other vehicles. A record will be kept of wins and losses and a winner determined based on the best win-loss record. A runoff will be used in case of a tie.
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6 		Awards
Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the race to all participants and teams in recognintion of special achievements. This may be done at the next school assembly.