Soaring to New Heights: Johnson Central's Eagle X Solar Car Takes on the Texas Motor Speedway

In the heart of Paintsville, Kentucky, a group of determined students from Johnson Central High School are embarking on an extraordinary journey. The Eagle X team has been meticulously crafting a solar-powered car, and now they're set to showcase their creation at a prestigious out-of-state competition.

Unlocking the Future of Sustainable Mobility

A Collaborative Effort Fueled by Passion and Innovation

The Eagle X solar car project has been a labor of love for the students at Johnson Central. For several years, they have been working tirelessly, with funding and support from the University of Kentucky and local sponsors, to bring their vision to life. The car has undergone countless hours of fine-tuning, from shining up the exterior to ensuring the wiring is perfectly aligned.The team's dedication and hard work have paid off, as they have been invited to compete at the prestigious Texas Motor Speedway solar car race. "To even be invited to the event, we had to put together a package and be accepted into the event," said Nathan Reel, the teacher and project advisor. "And even to make it this far is a huge success for these students."

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration

The Eagle X project has been a true collaborative effort, involving students from various career pathways. "Beyond just the seven we're taking to Texas, dozens and dozens of students through ten career pathways have been a part of this car," Reel explained. This interdisciplinary approach has allowed the team to leverage a diverse range of skills, from electrical engineering to welding, to bring the solar car to life.For junior Aiden Burkett, the opportunity to work on this project has been a dream come true. "Just seeing it all come into like this one big masterpiece and be able to actually race it on like Texas Motor Speedway? It's just going to be all worth it when we get there," he said, brimming with excitement.

Igniting a Passion for Innovation

The Eagle X project has not only resulted in the creation of a remarkable solar car but has also ignited a passion for innovation among the students. Ivy Young, a junior, had no idea that the project would become a reality when she first heard about it in eighth grade. "I was like, 'Wow. That's like such an awesome opportunity that that was given to us,'" she recalled. "And I was like, 'There there's no way that we can build an actual car.'"The engineering program at Johnson Central has been instrumental in nurturing this passion. Reel believes that the most impactful aspect of the project is the opportunity it provides for students to learn and grow. "For us to be able to find those kind of students to mesh engineers: engineering students, welding students," he said, "For them to learn what we do and work together."

A Lifelong Toolbox of Knowledge

The skills and knowledge gained through the Eagle X project extend far beyond the creation of the solar car. Reel emphasizes that the students have built a "lifelong toolbox of knowledge" that will serve them well in their future endeavors. "This is one of the biggest things that Johnson Central has ever done," said recent graduate Hudson Lewandoski. "We gotta win it. That's my hope. You gotta go down there, you gotta believe it, and I think we can."Whether or not the Eagle X team emerges victorious at the Texas Motor Speedway, the true success of this project lies in the invaluable lessons and experiences the students have gained. As they prepare to take on the competition, the team is filled with a sense of pride and determination, knowing that they have already achieved something remarkable.