Thirteen South Plantation High School students won first place at the National Dell Winston Solar Car Challenge, held recently at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Solar Knight II, the 650-pound solar car entered by the South Plantation High School team, completed a total of 395 laps (592.5 miles) over the four-day event. The car averaged 26 miles per hour over the course of the 23 racing hours, with a top speed of 38.5 miles per hour.

Despite sustaining damage to the rear-end bearings on the first day due to extreme track temperatures (over 150 degrees Fahrenheit) and having to change the entire rear end of the vehicle during the seventh racing session, the Solar Knights emerged the winners.

According to the judges, race coordinator, race director and corporate sponsors, the Solar Knights ran a very clean race, displayed positive attitude and worked well as a team. They displayed composure under pressure, strong work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

The Solar Knights also received the Hunt Oil Award, presented to the team whose car represents the best engineering. The vehicle was equipped with sophisticated telemetry and a very detailed aerodynamic design. Brayan Delgado received the "Order of the Solar Cell" Award for his commitment to solar car racing.

Overall, the Solar Knights won five individual session trophies during the event.