Principia Solar Team Races 4-Square-Meter Ra 11 at 2026 FSGP as New Rules Favor 6
Updated
Updated · Electrek · Jul 20
Principia Solar Team Races 4-Square-Meter Ra 11 at 2026 FSGP as New Rules Favor 6
1 articles · Updated · Electrek · Jul 20
Summary
Ra 11 will carry Principia College into the July 21-23 Formula Sun Grand Prix, with the team prioritizing reliability and nonstop running over outright speed.
A 6-square-meter solar-array limit under new rules leaves Principia's older car at a hardware disadvantage because Ra 11 still runs 4 square meters while a next-generation car remains unfinished.
31 years after the program began in 1995, Principia has kept its solar team competitive through faculty backing, course credit, open recruitment and alumni mentoring that preserves technical knowledge.
2024 results underscored the team's standing: Principia finished second at FSGP and loaned Michigan a spare motor and controller after a crash, helping it complete the cross-country race.
Brainerd International Raceway serves as the pre-qualifying stop for the American Solar Challenge, which starts July 25 from the Twin Cities.