Teams will converge on the campus of the University of Memphis on October 25 to compete in the 2019 MLGW A-Blazing Race, a model solar car race competition for students in grades six through 12.

The 2019 A-Blazing Race is part of Engineering Day, or E-Day, an annual open house hosted by the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis. To participate in the race, teams would have had to register and attend an engineering workshop at the MLGW Joyce Blackmon Training Center.

For the race, MLGW provides a kit containing a solar panel, battery holder and motor. Participants can use any other materials to design and build their solar powered vehicle. Each vehicle will race on a 20-meter race course. Technical assistance with engineering design and solar energy is available.

The goal is to complete a race in the shortest possible time using available power. The race will consist of two (2) divisions, grades six through eight and grades nine through 12. Teams can consist of four to eight youths.

Schools are limited to two teams. Trophies will be given for speed (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) and design (aesthetic award) and notebook (documentation of design and build).

 

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.