Day Zero
Work kicked off in earnest late Wednesday afternoon as the team's early arrivals retrieved both the Urban concept and Prototype vehicles from its 29 hour road trip across the border. We spent time setting up our tents in the campground, moving tools and equipment to the paddock and attending the Eco-Marathon safety briefing. The road team was especially thankful for the balmy weather as it was a far cry from the stormy conditions that was a mainstay of the trip from Edmonton.
Detroit's clear skies a nice respite for the driving team
For the rest of the evening, it was all about assessing what fixes the cars needed, and the great pizza debacle...the team members who chose to fly down to the city and arrived very early in the morning hadn't gotten a chance to refuel, hence they began to clamour for the life source of university students. Logistical hassles aside, pizza was ordered and morale improved.
After the paddock was shut down for the night, the team moved to the campsite, helping the stream of new arrivals to find their way around and keeping an eye on the hockey playoffs, Sofie was earmarked to undergo technical inspection the next day.
Sofie's Technical Inspection
The team was up bright and early in order to complete the safety briefing needed to enter the paddock, with most of the team here now, more work could be completed as a result. Sofie was ready to face her first test.
Vehicle weigh in
Seat belt testing
Vehicle dimensions checkup
Conversing with the technical team
So far Sofie has passed eight out of her ten categories required to proceed into the competition, including the hydrogen checkup. A few modifications remain but the team is excited and eager.
Up next tomorrow; Alice's technical inspection and opening ceremonies.
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