Did you guys know there was a solar car team right here in East Texas? Neither did I. But there is, and the team will represent East Texas at an upcoming international competition.  

The solar car is the first high school solar car in East Texas. Cullen Hippler, the publicity and financial director, says the car has everything a car needs, except for air conditioning.

Austin Gwartney, the Bullard Solar Car Captain, says they have wanted to build a car for years. The team believes their solar car can go up to 105 mph, and have tested it to 75 mph.

Bullard ISD Superintendent Keith Bryant told KTRE:

 "The responsibility that the students have had to take has been a great life lesson that we couldn't teach in a normal classroom."

The race the team plans to attend is an international competition for high school students, As part of the Winston Solar Car Challenge and will require the students to drive their car from Texas Motor Speedway to Los Angeles, California. It's definitely a race of endurance.

The team is not allowed to stop for gas or to recharge their batteries during the race. The team will have five drivers who will alternate driving. But the team needs our help to raise money for the trip. They need to raise somewhere around $10,000 to reserve a spot in the race. The money will goes toward hotel expenses that are required by race coordinators.

The team plans to leave Bullard on July 20. The race starts in Fort Worth on July 23.

I know our KNUE listeners would want to help, so here are some of the ways we can make a difference for our kids. To make a donation to the team, email stacy.gwartney@bullardisd.net or send a message to the team on Facebook.

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