5 - During racing, competitors must not physically touch or attempt to touch each other, however,
competitors may attempt to interfere with each others light source by extending vanes or other
devices over the 25mm (one inch) lane walls. Vane extensions must still fit within the size guidelines.
6 - Designers are not allowed to augment their competitor performance by the use of external light
sources, or even subtle reflections off of watches or eyeglasses. Devices will be illuminated by a
minimum light source of two 500 watt halogen lights placed 50cm (19.7”) above the race platform, to
a maximum of up to pure noon-time, unobstructed sunlight. In the case of halogen lighting, the first
light is placed aimed straight down directly in front of the starting box. The second light is aimed
straight down, 66cm (26”) from the starting line.
7 - Competitors should be able to withstand heat excesses up to a radiant 50° C (122° F) from the
competition light sources. Melting competitors will be disqualified.
The Race:
The single-heat race begins when the judge says
"go" and lets a charge build up in the two
competitors. This is done by the judge lowering the
conductive metal rail at the rear of the starting box
that is shorting out the circuitry in the competing
racers. Care shall be taken to insure that competitors
are released fairly and with as little disturbance as
possible. It is the competitor’s responsibility to install
suitable wires for this purpose.
Once the contacts are open and the devices allowed
to charge, the race has started. To insure the devices
follow the "self-starting" rule, competitors must
remain immobile for at least three seconds following
the start of the race. If one or both move within that
time, a false start is called and the race is re-run. If
the Solaroller again false-starts, it will be disqualified.
The race is run until the frontmost vertical edge of a competitor crosses the finish line at the end of
the 1 meter lane, until a designer concedes, or until a full 3 minutes has elapsed (at which point the
racer travelling furthest wins). The exception to this is when a Solaroller changes it’s shape, and
must fully cross the finish line.
During the run, competitors are allowed to touch the surrounding walls as necessary but should not
damage or climb the walls. If a Solaroller becomes stalled against the wall, it cannot be interfered
with. In the case of a dual stall, the furthest travelled competitor shall be considered the winner of
that heat.
If clear, unobstructed sunlight is available or the halogen light option is used, the times of the
individual runs will be kept track of. All running times shall be registered and recorded.
Starting Line
Shorting Gate
Shorting Wires to
Solaroller Capacitor
150 x 150mm
Starting Box
Shorting Gate
drops down at
start of race
20mm
The Official Solaroller Race Rules
~ continued ~
15
