High Schools Compete In Solar Car Challenge At TMS

High school students from around the country converge on Texas Motor Speedway this week to compete in the Solar Car Challenge.  As automobile manufacturers are turning to electric powered cars, the Solar Car Challenge provides a glimpse into the next generation of energy-efficient transportation. 

Each team must follow strict guidelines when building their solar car. Each car must have a roll cage, “crush zones,” safety harness, horn, communications, turn signals and a fire extinguisher.

The event is divided into three classes. The Classic Division is for new participants that are limited to inexpensive equipment. The Open Division allows teams to utilize more expensive technology. The Advanced Division allows teams to use university body molds and more exotic batteries.

The Solar Car Challenge launched their solar education program in 1993 to teach high school students how to build and safely race roadworthy solar cars. The first race was held in 1995 when the race circled Dallas County. Since then, the race has alternated between a closed-track event at Texas Motor Speedway and a cross-country event. Last year, students raced their solar cars 1,200 miles from Texas Motor Speedway to Boulder, Colo. This will mark the sixth time the Solar Car Challenge has been held at “The Great American Speedway!”