Rules

1. Solar-only powered dragsters will race head-to-head using only solar energy (thermal/mechanical, or photovoltaic electric cells and electric motors).
2. Batteries, capacitors, flywheels, or energy storage devices (if any) must be completely de-energized and in an uncharged state prior to the actual moment of launching when the starting light turns green.
3. Race will be over a ¼ kilometer straight track running west to east.
4. Driver must weigh at least 170 pounds, or include enough weights to bring the driver weight up to 170 pounds.
5. Dragster dimensions cannot be wider than 7 feet, greater than 20 feet long, or be over 6.5 feet high.
6. All solar arrays and concentrating devices must be attached to and travel with the dragster.
7. Dragster must have at least three wheels, a working steering system, and be self supporting.
8. Dragster must have brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within a safe distance.
9. Drivers must at least have a learner's permit.
10. High school division is limited to total open-circuit voltage of all solar modules combined in series cannot exceed 50 volts.
11. High school division is open to any solar dragster built substantially by high school students. Some adult assistance is allowed. Competitors in this division can spend as much as they want on the construction of their vehicle, but to keep competition costs within a reasonable range, any race vehicle in this division can be bought by anyone not affiliated with the race vehicle after the race for $5,000. Racers must be 18 years old or less and must have at least a learner's permit.
12. College division is open to any solar dragster built by university or college students. Competitors in this division can spend as much as they want on the construction of their vehicle, but to keep competition costs within a reasonable range, any race vehicle in this division can be bought by anyone not affiliated with the race vehicle after the race for $10,000. Racers must be enrolled as a student (or recent graduate) in either a college or university and must have a valid driver's license.
13. Each member of the race team must sign and agree to the terms stated on the liability release form.
14. Additional rules/clarifications will be provided by the Solar Drag Racing Committee and will be posted on this web page.

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