student, and now Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Christine Trinkle proposed the perennial name for the car, Gato Del Sol ("Cat of the Sun"), and the solar car team had a name befitting the University of Kentucky mascot "the Wildcats". With generous support from benefactors including UK Alums Ralph G. Anderson and Billy Harper, and many businesses including Hyro Aluminum, Inc., Toyota, Sunpower, and Stone Farm (owner of 1982 Kentucky Derby Winner Gato Del Sol), 6 generations of solar cars (Gato I-VI) have resulted with success along the way. The team was the winner of the Sportsmanship Award in the 2003 North American Solar Challenge, finished 2nd at the 2009 Formula Sun Grand Prix and finished 3rd at the 2019 Formula Sun Grand Prix. It has participated in more than 10 race events and hundreds of special events including the annual Kentucky State Fair and regional parades. As of 2020, it is estimated that more than 1500 students from majors across the university have participated in the Solar Car team since its founding 21 years ago. More importantly, through its outreach and education efforts the team has exposed renewable solar energy technology to countless thousands. Cars FSGP lap times are recorded in the format mm:ss.s, while ASC stage times are recorded as hh:mm:ss. Press KETV Omaha USA Today, Sunny days ahead for solar car race, July 16, 2008 Kentucky Living Magazine, Racing with the Sun, December 2008 The Morehead News, Guardian hosts UK Solar Team, November 11, 2008 Lexington Herald-Leader, UK Solar Car Builders Celebrate, July 28, 2008 KMTV Omaha, Drivers Race Cross Country Without Gas, July 16, 2008 University of Kentucky News, Solar Car Crosses Calgary Finish Line, July 23, 2008 References External links Main Site, UK Solar Car Team Blog, UK Solar Car Team UK Solar Car Team Videos UK Solar Car Team Pictures North American Solar Challenge UK Solar Car Instagram UK Solar Car Twitter UK Solar Car Facebook Solar car racing University of Kentucky