Race the Sun

Sandra begins her first day as the new teacher and is quickly oriented by Frank Machi. She introduces herself to the class and meets Daniel, Marco, Gilbert, Oni, Eduardo, and Luana. She confesses she teaches English, not science, but vows to push the students through despite their self-declared 'lolo' status.

In a teacher's meeting, Sandra tries to raise awareness for the science fair, but the plan is rebuffed as hopeless. Frank chides her and says she will understand with time. The class remains uninspired and the science fair seems unlikely to happen.

Daniel's experimental surfboard design is rejected by his boss, who bluntly tells him to stick to preset designs. The discouragement underscores the lack of opportunities for the teens at Sutcliffe's shadow. Daniel's mood shifts toward defiance and determination.

The six students who hadn't proposed anything—Daniel, Braz, Marco, Gilbert, Oni, and Luana—are summoned to brainstorm. Sandra requires them to attend the district science fair the following night so they can come up with a proposal. The sense of urgency sets the plan in motion.

At the fair, Sutcliffe's solar car entry looms large and Jack Fryman announces a future prize with a World Solar Challenge tie-in. Steve Fryman harasses Daniel, and Braz defends him by punching Steve. Security ejects Braz as an 'animal', escalating tensions between the rival teams.

During Saturday detention, the six discuss the situation and blame falls on Daniel. Braz confronts Daniel as a haole, and Daniel reveals a hopeful sketch for a solar car as an alternative means of fighting back. The scene marks a pivot toward unity.

The six visit Sandra's home and present their sketch as their proposal for the science project. Sandra slowly relents and agrees to let the plan proceed, and Uni Kakamura is recruited as a math prodigy to join the team. The group begins to see a real path to building a solar car.

Daniel convinces his stepsister Cindy Johnson to join the project after a tense talk with their father. Cindy's involvement adds another voice to the team and strengthens their resolve. The group grows more committed to the goal.

Daniel's initial design proves too ambitious, but a cockroach-inspired, more ergonomic design emerges after a late-night insight. The team rallies to build the new 'Cockroach' design in time for the race. Gilbert stubbornly persists, and Frank supports their efforts.

A teacher's meeting near the race reveals that a captain is needed, and Daniel is nominated thanks to his two-battery idea. The team prepares for the adventure ahead, aware that this local high school entry might be the underdog story of the race.

On the first day of the inter-island race, the Cockroach suffers a busted ball joint and is threatened with elimination. Frank defends the team and Jack Fryman pressures them to fix the car or withdraw. They manage to repair it and keep racing, fighting to stay in contention.

A sandstorm damages several cars, testing the team's resilience. Frank reveals how he survived Gilbert's father sacrificing himself years earlier, deepening the team's emotional stakes and resolve. The cockpit crew continues to push forward against the odds.

By halfway through the race, Luana is named spokeswoman, and personal tensions surface during a reception dinner as Marco and Oni clash with Gilbert and Uni. Cindy's loyalty and Daniel's relationship with her become focal points as he witnesses Cindy with a bike and a flask.

On the final leg, Oni's fever leaves him out and the team contends with an electrical fire in the Cockroach. Gilbert smashes the windshield to free Uni and volunteers to drive, but Frank warns the car won't move with him inside unless weight is reduced. The team drops the solar panels to lighten the load, and the Cockroach finishes in third place amid a celebratory, reconciled group, with kisses all around and Daniel and Cindy restoring their bond.