Fourteen students from South Florida have driven their way into the record books, taking a national championship in Texas with a solar-powered car they designed and built from scratch. The team, part of the University of Florida's extension program in Broward and Palm Beach counties, spent months welding, wiring, and fine-tuning every component of their electric vehicle—a project that demanded not just technical skill but also relentless teamwork.
Their hard work paid off on the Texas circuit, where they outperformed collegiate teams from across the country. The young engineers set a 760.5-mile track record in 2025 and completed the demanding 656.7-mile Tour of Texas this year, all while battling extreme heat that tested both the car's photovoltaic system and their own endurance.
From classroom to champion
The journey wasn't just about building a car. Each student took on multiple roles, from fundraising and budget management to telemetry planning and aerodynamic design. That comprehensive experience helped them develop soft skills like collaborative leadership and decision-making under pressure—skills that will serve them long after the race is over.
Allan Phipps, a mentor and sponsor of the team, emphasized the value of such hands-on projects. "These experiences give students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges," he said. "They learn to work under pressure and solve problems creatively."
Co-captain Emily Herman echoed that sentiment, noting that the project transformed her professional outlook. "I learned project management, marketing, and even welding—skills I'll carry with me for a lifetime," she said. Her fellow co-captain, Aiden Phipps, added that the most valuable lesson was the supportive community they built together. "We became a family," he said.
A celebration of ingenuity
The team's success was marked by two major awards and the induction of two members into the prestigious Solar Cell Order. But perhaps the most memorable moment was the camaraderie displayed on the Texas circuit, where competing teams shared tools and knowledge to help each other overcome unexpected mechanical failures.
Official photos from the Texas Motor Speedway show all 14 members—Gavin Vilarchao, Oliver Collins, Lars Erik Wiik, Saakshar Patel, Caiden Douglas-Jacques, Zayn Zyoud, Tomas Negron, Sam Merlin, Aiden Phipps, Emily Herman, Jose Moncada, Emily Boudreaux, Harley Duarte, and Makayla Derival—beaming with pride. Their achievement is a testament to the power of STEM education and the bright future of Florida's young inventors.
As the team looks ahead, their legacy is already inspiring a new generation of students to dream big and build even bigger. For those interested in the broader context of innovation in the South, Texas's tech boom shows how the region is becoming a hub for cutting-edge industries. And for Florida families, recent policy changes highlight the importance of investing in education and opportunity.
This victory is more than a trophy—it's proof that with dedication and collaboration, young people can tackle the biggest challenges and come out on top.
