Greetings from McAlester, Okla.

Solar Miner VI just rolled into the first checkpoint about an hour behind race leader Minnesota. The car apparently blew a tire or had some kind of glitch that delayed progress for 10 minutes not long after crossing the Texas-Oklahoma border. Still, S&T is in third place behind only Minnesota and Michigan. Principia arrived at the first checkpoint right behind Solar Miner VI.

Earlier, Kentucky was in third place -- but no sign of them right now.

It's not clear if S&T is going to make the first stage stop in Neosho this evening, but they should be able to get there early tomorrow.

So far, it's been cloudy with a few sprinkles. "Once we get a day of open sun, we'll be able to fly," says team member John Clay.

Western Michigan failed to qualify, so they're loaning us three team members for the race.

We'll try to check back later this afternoon and/or, if we get a motel room, later tonight.