Michigan, as in right now, officially, is leading the pack in American Solar Challenge 2005. According to official timing update, Michigan is well over 10 minutes ahead of the nearest challenger, Minnesota. Almost all teams are currently in Medicine Hat, Canada, preparing for the final stage - a dash to Calgary.

Minnesota in their blog blame the weather for being less than merciful. Michigan was lucky to be not under the clouds although according to Michigan, Canadian wind is giving them a hard time.

Another competitor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is approximately 20 minutes behind Minnesota. They were first for some time before crossing the Canadian border but a hailstorm changed that.

I'm excited to see Michigan taking the lead as the curtain comes down. If Michigan wins this edition of ASC, it will be the fourth title and hence continues to be the winningest team in ASC history.

Anyway, this is a map showing the route between Medicine Hat and Calgary. Medicine Hat is located at a junction nearest to the intersection of a dash line (Saskatchewan-Alberta border) and a solid line (Canadian-American border). Mapquest says that's 183 miles.

Go Blue! All the best!

And then onwards to Australia! (I hope Michigan is going... 2003 was a tough year. It's time to take revenge.)