Phoenix Racing, Florida Polytechnic University’s competition solar racing team, finished in third place going against top collegiate teams at the national Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix in Bowling Green, Kentucky

LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University’s Phoenix Racing clinched an impressive third place at the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix this weekend, an elite collegiate endurance race held in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The team’s strong performance marked an outstanding climb from its seventh-place debut in 2024.

The three-day race, held from July 3-5, challenged university teams to complete the highest number of laps on a closed track. Florida Poly recorded a total of 175 laps, outperforming notable programs including Virginia Tech, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Florida.

Phoenix Racing also took home the award for the most improved team in the entire competition, highlighting the team’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation on the national stage.

“I could not be prouder of the team and what we have accomplished,” said Spencer Blackwell, team president. “Getting a podium finish and the most improved award is an amazing feeling that we can’t get enough of.”

Phoenix Racing competed with Spark MK2 Powered by TECO, a lighter and faster evolution of the team’s first solar car. TECO, the Tampa-based utility company, is the team’s title sponsor. This year’s delegation to Kentucky included more than 15 Florida Poly students and four faculty advisors, who worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of the car’s design and to optimize its performance.

“While many top competitors have decades of experience, this is only our second year. We went from no team to a top 10 finish last year and now a podium finish this year,” said Matt Bohm, lead faculty advisor and professor of mechanical engineering. “It’s remarkable what our team has achieved in such a short time.”

In attendance was Florida Poly President Devin Stephenson, who traveled to Kentucky to motivate the team and show his support.

“What I saw these students do under such pressure and in true team collaboration is nothing short of inspiring,” Stephenson said. “They thought critically and used their problem-solving skills to tackle each challenge that came their way, and in the end, they conquered. That’s the grit and determination we teach at Florida Poly.”

During the race, the team overcame several difficulties and obstacles, including a flat on the car’s single rear wheel, a battery management system shutdown caused by voltage dropping below its threshold, and periods of cloud cover that reduced solar power availability.

“We had many challenges that required quick and decisive responses from our team to stay on track,” said Colin Sadowitz, the team’s strategist and rising senior majoring in computer science. “I’m grateful for the team’s technical expertise, our observer’s thoughts and feedback, and our advisor’s leadership to help get us back on track to continue competing.”

Looking ahead, Phoenix Racing is elevating its game by returning to the Formula Sun Grand Prix and aiming to qualify for the American Solar Challenge next year, a 1,500- to 2,000-mile cross-country solar endurance rally.

“We hope to optimize efficiency, strategy, and team cohesiveness, all while maintaining the reliability we have had this year,” Blackwell said. “I’m extremely thankful for the unyielding support of the Florida Poly family, our title sponsor TECO, and the rest of our sponsors who helped make it all possible. Can’t wait to see what we’ll do next year!

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