Team History
Before we began our work on the University of Missouri’s first hydrogen fuel cell car, our team had a long history of cutting-edge solar racing vehicles. Below is the history of all six of the previous solar-powered cars that our team has raced. Now we are taking this knowledge of high-efficiency vehicle design, and applying this to Tigergen I.
SunTiger History
- 1993: Our first go around in the Sunrayce. We had the highest qualifying position of rookie teams, and we placed 19th overall in the race.
- 1995: Experience played a key role in the improved performance of SunTiger II. The team made improvements in power management systems, a large reduction in weight (230 lbs), and an improved chassis (less wheel scrub) brought us up to 10th place.
- 1997: SunTiger III raced in Sunrayce ‘97 and took eighth place. The car made drastic improvements in weight loss and aerodynamics, with a completely new frame and shell design.
- 1999: SunTiger IV continued the trend of improvements by finishing 6th in Sunrayce ‘99. Design changes included a new frame design, an extra battery, airtight sealing, and more a aerodynamic canopy.
- 2000: Rather than build a new car from scratch in 2000, the SunTiger team decided to instead realize the full potential of SunTiger IV with a new electrical and telemetry system. During the summer of 2000, SunTiger IV took the starting line at Formula Sun, a closed-track race in Topeka, Kansas. The team brought home a third place finish, despite the challenges presented by the different racing style.
- 2001: SunTiger IV raced one final time in the American Solar Challenge during the summer of 2001. The American Solar Challenge was the world's longest solar car race. It stretched over 2,200 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles along Old Route 66. The introduction of a lithium-ion battery pack, functional telemetry system, and racing strategy guided SunTiger IV to an 11th place finish in a field of 30 cars.
- 2003: Following the same route as the 2001 American Solar Challenge, SunTiger V finished the route eleven hours ahead of SunTiger IV's mark. SunTiger V also tied SunTiger IV in 1999 for the best placement, sixth place out of 28 teams.
- 2005: The final solar car, SunTiger VI is a next-generation vehicle capable of the highest average speed of any of the previous car. It followed a new route in the North American Solar Challenge. SunTiger VI raced from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta, which was the very first time that our vehicle has raced across international boarders. SunTiger VI finished eighth place overall, and won the award for best electrical design.
