There'll be no McMaster University entry in the 2003 American Solar Challenge race between Chicago and California.

Fireball II, the university's entry in the 3,700-kilometre race, failed to qualify Friday after it only covered 129.5 kilometres during a 5 1/2 hour period. The car had to travel 220 kilometres during the qualification round at Northwestern University at Evanston, IL.

Two flat tires, a lost wheel and bad weather are being blamed for slowing down Fireball II. On the last of its 35 laps at Northwestern, the vehicle had to be pushed up a hill.

(The Hamilton Spectator, July 12, 2003)

For access to The Hamilton Spectator online, McMaster users can click here from a main campus computer.