The wheel spat is the cover that goes over the wheels to provide a more aerodynamic shape and protects the wheel itself.
Illustration of the aerodynamics of the car.
( http://www.formulasun.org/education/seles13.html )
The illustrations above show the aerodynamics of a solar car against those of a normal vehicle, the only spot where the drag is affecting the solar car, is behind the wheels. This is why the wheel spat that was made will help reduce the drag on the car and make it more streamlined.
As for the protection, this car will be traveling through desert terrain, where the roads are not very smooth. The motor sits inside the rim of the back tire, this is the motor which was imported from the states and which made up a good proportion of the cost of the car. It is thus essential to protect it. The wheel spat will do just that. The hard shell will provide protection from flicked up stones.
Figure: Finished Wheel Spat
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