For 30 years, under the skilled leadership of Dr. Lehman Marks, the Solar Car Challenge has motivated students in science, engineering and alternative energy awareness. The Challenge teaches high school students around the world how to build and race roadworthy solar cars.
Of this year’s 20 teams, 10 are from Texas. Teams are also from Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon and Wisconsin. Teams check in on July 12, followed by three days of scrutineering to ensure all cars are eligible to race.
Teams begin preparation for the race during education workshops in fall of the previous year. Additional workshops, on-site visits, mentor opportunities and summer camps help propel the projects to success. After qualifying for this year’s event, teams will drive their solar cars cross-country from Texas to California displaying their vehicles to thousands along the race course.
The 2023 Race will feature the Cruiser, a new racing division featuring a four-door vehicle with the solar array embedded in the body of the car, bringing “realism” to solar car racing.
Qualifying: Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15, 2023 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Purpose?
This year, the 925-mile race event, hosted by Oncor and Lockheed Martin, starts on July 16 in Fort Worth and ends a week later on July 23 in Palmdale, California.
Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15, 2023 at the Texas Motor Speedway