July 22, 2005 9:18 AM PDT
Solar cars "raycing" in the North American Solar Challenge found clouds and rain to be more of a hazard than traffic and potholes. The U.S. Department of Energy is the main sponsor of this 2,500-mile race from Austin, Tex., to the finish in Calgary, Alberta, on July 27. Cars are powered only by sunshine.
Here, the University of Michigan team loses its lead near Burlington, Kan., after heavy rains and clouds force team members to stop and recharge their car's batteries.
Photo by Stefano Paltera/North American Solar Challenge
