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19 Support Vehicles

19.1 Support Vehicles​

Teams must have all support vehicles registered and properly marked at the time of scrutineering.

19.2 Number of Support Vehicles​

19.2.1 Closed-Track Event​

Teams will be allowed one support vehicle in the event that the solar car stops on the track. This support vehicle must have sufficient space to at least seat a driver, race judge, safety officer, and one additional team member, be equipped with a roof-mounted flashing amber light, and only carry enough equipment to facilitate the solar car’s return to the pit area. No significant repairs will be made on the track itself. In the event that the car must be trailered, teams are required to first get the permission of the Technical Director so that removal of the vehicle from the track can be carried out without undue hazard to the other racing solar cars.

19.2.2 Cross-Country Support Vehicles​

Teams are required to have three support vehicles on the road with the solar car: a lead vehicle directly in-front of the solar car, a chase vehicle directly behind the solar car, and a second chase vehicle multiple car lengths behind the first chase car.

19.2.2.1​

All support vehicles on the course must have roof-mounted flashing amber lights. The chase vehicles must have their amber lights mounted at the rear of the vehicle, and must carry a rear-mounted sign (supplied by the event organizer) that reads: “Caution! Solar Car Ahead.”

19.2.2.2​

The Lead Vehicle must be 3-4 seconds ahead of the solar car to prevent “drafting.” The Lead Vehicle is required whenever the solar car is driven on the highway.

19.2.2.3​

The No. 1 Chase Vehicle must remain immediately behind the solar car at all times. It is suggested that the No. 1 Chase Vehicle pull the trailer.

19.2.2.4​

The No. 2 Chase Vehicle must keep a discrete distance away from the Lead Vehicle and the No. 1 Chase Vehicle to allow traffic to pass.

19.2.2.5​

Support vehicles must have radio communication between vehicles.

19.2.2.6​

The No. 1 Chase Vehicle must provide front seat space for the event judge and event telemetry equipment, if required.

19.2.2.7​

At any time the solar car is moving on the open road, it must be accompanied by all support vehicles. Failure to follow this safety regulation may subject the team to a major penalty.

19.2.2.8​

During cross-country racing, both chase vehicles must have at least four ECCO lights.

19.2.2.9​

No more than 3 support vehicles (consisting of no more than 1 vehicle trailer) can travel within a mile of the solar car. This is designed to help the flow of traffic.