Race the Sun

A new Kona Pali English teacher who insists on pushing her students toward real, hands-on work in science. She blends skepticism about traditional schooling with a stubborn belief in the students’ potential, challenging them to prove themselves beyond their self-identified 'lolo' status.

A surfer and aspiring designer who becomes the project’s primary designer and de facto captain. He bridges creativity with practicality, navigating conflicts with teammates and rising to the challenge of turning sketches into a working car.

A bold, outspoken student who uses wit and bravado to push the boundaries of the team’s plans. He adds drive, risk-taking, and social energy, sometimes clashing with others but ultimately helping the team rally.

A brilliant, overweight yet capable computer geek who sketches the early prototypes and grows emotionally as the team learns to value his contributions. He evolves into a steady, courageous driver who perseveres under pressure.

A competitive, sometimes abrasive teammate who teems with energy and sometimes overshadowed others. She learns to collaborate with the team and channel her intensity toward a shared goal rather than personal drama.

A math prodigy who’s shy but precise, she grows into the team's strategy ally and emotional anchor. Her quiet confidence and analytical mind help the team anticipate problems and optimize their race plan.

A quick-to-defend mechanic with a strong sense of local pride. His protective nature and street-smarts set him against outsiders at times, but he also learns to channel his energy into leadership when it matters most.

Eduardo's girlfriend who grows into a credible spokesperson and strategist for the team. She brings balance to the group, helping translate ideas into actions and keeping morale intact.

Daniel's rebellious stepsister who joins the team and wrestles with personal choices. Her arc includes a self-destructive moment that forces the group to confront boundaries and responsibility.

A corporate antagonist pressuring the team with commercial interests. He embodies the tension between corporate pressure and student-led innovation, representing the obstacles the team must outsmart.

A fierce rival from the Euro Team who underestimates the Kona Pali crew at first but ultimately becomes a measure against which the team tests their limits. His competitiveness drives the stakes of the race.

The shop teacher who mentors the team and ultimately helps them navigate the engineering challenges and social dynamics of the school race. He embodies mentorship and resilience in the face of a difficult environment.