[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E3042-E3043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PRINCIPIA COLLEGE SOLAR CAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements of 
the Principia College Solar Team at this year's Global Green Solar 
Challenge.
  Thirty-two teams from around the world traveled to Darwin, Australia 
for a 3000 kilometer race across the Australian outback in solar 
powered cars. Only nine teams were able to finish the grueling 
challenge, included among them was this outstanding group from Elsah, 
Illinois. Principia's Ra7 finished seventh in the world in this year's 
race and third among American entries.

[[Page E3043]]

  While other teams spent millions from corporate sponsorships, the 
Principia team spent less than $180,000. The winner, Tokai University 
of Japan, was sponsored by Sharp Electronics, a leader in solar 
engineering. This year's runner-up was sponsored by the European Space 
Agency. When the race was over, Principia earned the Safety Award from 
race officials, their fourth overall and first in international 
competition.
  I want to congratulate John Broere (Director of Engineering Science), 
Joe Ritter (Assistant Dean of Academics) and the members of the 
Principia College Solar Team on their outstanding achievement. Their 
efforts have done much in accelerating this exciting field of 
scientific exploration.

                          ____________________