January Specialty Workshop

Plans are moving forward for an exciting January Specialty Workshop. We are working to bring more demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for participants. Maybe most importantly, we will be "teaching" how to drive the 2026 Cross-Texas race. I want to encourage every team to send at least one representative to this workshop so that you can be prepared for this amazing Adventure!

Specific Race Topics include:

• An Introduction to the 2026 Cross-Texas Race
• How to Drive Hills in a Cross-Country Race
• The Importance of Developing a Topographical Plan
• The Race Route for 2026 and What to Expect!

Register for the Workshop at:
https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/workshop.shtml
A preliminary Agenda for the January Workshop is included in this Event Update.

Roll Bar Requirements

Rule 5.2.2.2. provides:

Minium Dimensions - The roll bar must be sized to withstand a 5G vertical load without yielding, based on the weight of the vehicle with the driver and all support equipment included. Teams must provide this calculation as part of their registration documentation. Teams not calculating for 5G vertical load must have roll bar tubing with a minimum outside diameter of 5 cm and minimum wall thickness of 1.0 mm for chromoly steel, 1.5 mm for carbon steel, and 3.2 mm for aluminum.

Teams asking for a waiver to use a different size roll bar will have to submit calculations supporting the use of their proposed roll bar. In essence, you are proving that your planned alternative provides comparable protection with Rule 5.2.2.2. To help you with these calculations, we are providing a worksheet as a guide, along with teaching how to do these calculations at the January Workshop.

Teams must provide these calculations within their Registration Packet submitted by March 1, 2026. [A copy of the workshop sheet is included within this Event Update.]

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