The American Solar Challenge is a competition to design, build and drive solar-powered cars, in a 1100 mile cross country time/distance rally event. The 17 college teams, from 4 countries, will follow a route from Oklahoma to Illinois, starting Sunday in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. This route has been chosen to combine pieces of old routes used in previous events, giving a bit of historical tribute for the 20 years of solar challenge events in North America.

Monday June 21, the solar-cars and race teams will make a stop in our very own Capital City. They will drive down Topeka Blvd. in the morning, to get to the Ramada Inn Downtown, where the 15 cars will be set up by noon. Observers can come see the cars up close and personal and meet the teams until 9 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. They will leave Tuesday June 22nd at 9 a.m., from the Ramada Inn.

American Solar Challenge promotes greater understanding of solar energy technology. Approximately 350 people will be traveling with the cars between the teams and observers. Come support these future scientists and engineers! And check out some pretty space-aged looking vehicles up close.

For more information on the American Solar Challenge, visit their website or check out the event program.

[June 2010 | Heather McKee | photo courtesy 8000vueltas.com]