We’ve also been fortunate enough to have some other new sponsors come on board recently and assist us with our safety goals. Aearo Technologies has graciously donated safety goggles, respirators, and First Aid kits, and TrucknTow.com has provided the Team with safety vests, gloves, flags, and cones. Our previous supplies were a bit outdated and understocked, so it’s great to see new equipment that’s both up to code and safe.

Team members on the side of the road with TruckNTow safety vests, flags, and cones.

In addition to new sponsors, some of our sponsors from 2007 have continued their support of the team through additional in-kind donations. Wiley X, the ultimate provider of shatterproof eye protection, has renewed their sponsorship by providing the 2008 Race Crew with some of their latest styles for this year. These sunglasses will protect our team from UV rays as well as any debris that may fly up while being on the side of the road.

Sarah wearing one of Wiley X's new styles for 2008.

Aside from focusing on protecting our team members, we’ve also been doing our part to protect the environment. Thanks to General Motors, the Team has been supplied with a fleet of four Chevy Tahoe Hybrids to serve as support vehicles for this summer’s race. Even though the most advertised benefit of a hybrid vehicle is increased fuel economy, an arguably much more important benefit is the reduction in emissions. Translated, this means fewer pollutants in the air and a cleaner, healthier Earth.

Picture of Scout - one of the Chevy Tahoe Hybrids and the car that makes sure the road is clear for the solar car. Vehicle graphics courtesy of Signs By Tomorrow.

OrganicByTheCase.com has also partnered with the Team by donating organic food and supplies to be used on both our mock race as well as during the North American Solar Challenge. We’ve stocked our semi with organic cereal, granola bars, and drinks, all of which were produced without the introduction of harmful fertilizers and pesticides into the environment.

Spencer enjoying a cup of Oaty Bites cereal thanks to OrganicByTheCase.com.

Another sponsor of the 2007 project that has returned is Targus, maker of the world's top-selling laptop computer cases and accessories. They’ve sponsored the 2008 Race Crew with selections from their new line of eco-friendly laptop cases. All of the cases from the EcoSmart™ series are made of PVC-free material, meaning that there were no poisonous chemicals created during their manufacture. (When produced, PVC releases chemicals such as dioxins which may pose irreversible life-long health threats.)

In short, we'd just like to say thank you again to all of the above companies for supporting our team and helping us realize our goals. And while we may never be fully prepared nor save the environment on our own, at least we've made some steps in the right direction.

Labels: NASC 2008 Season, Photo Posts