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The Solar Car Challenge is an annual solar-powered car race organized in Texas for high school students. The event attracts teams from around the world,[1] but mostly from American high schools. Originating as a class competition held in 1989,[2] the first official race was held in 1995. Each event is the end product of a two-year education cycle[3] organized by the Solar Car Challenge Foundation, a non-profit.[4] The venue of the race typically alternates annually between being cross-country races which start at the Texas Motor Speedway and track races taking place solely at the speedway.[2] Currently, this means that track races take place on even years and cross-country races on odd years, but occasionally consecutive track races are held which disrupt this pattern.[5]
| Solar Car Challenge | |
|---|---|
| Venue | Texas Motor Speedway (even years)[1][2] Cross-country (odd years)[2] |
| Location | United States |
| First race | 1995 |
History
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The Solar Car Challenge is an educational program aimed at engaging high school students in designing, building, and racing solar-powered vehicles. Established in 1989 by Dr. Lehman Marks, the challenge promotes science, engineering, technology, and green energy solutions among youth.[6] Originally a classroom project, it has grown into a national competition featuring closed-track races at the Texas Motor Speedway and cross-country races across the U.S.[7] The event collaborates with organizations supporting STEM education and renewable energy.[8]
The 2007 The Solar Car Challenge was featured on CNN affiliate KLTV.[9] The Solar Car Challenge was named one of America's 10 most innovative education programs by Business Wire in 2003.
Organization
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See also
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- Solar car racing
- World Solar Car Challenge
- The Quiet Achiever, the world's first solar-powered racecar
External links
editReferences
editThis article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2007) |
- ^ a b Geisel, Hunter (July 7, 2024). "South Florida high school students head to Texas Motor Speedway to race solar-powered cars". CBS News Miami. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Walker, Noelle (April 15, 2024). "Solar Car Challenge Foundation shows how NBCU Local Impact Grant made a difference". NBC Dallas Fort Worth. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ Maugeri, Steve (July 30, 2024). "South Florida high school students shine at Texas competition with solar powered car". Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "Solar Car Challenge Foundation". ProPublica. Archived from the original on September 2, 2025. Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "History of Solar Car Racing and the Solar Car Challenge". Retrieved September 2, 2025.
- ^ "Solar Car Challenge - SolarCarChallenge - High School Solar". www.solarcarchallenge.org. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ "Solar Car Challenge - About the Solar Car Challenge". www.solarcarchallenge.org. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ "Dr. Lehman Marks | Texas Solar Energy Society". Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Tracy Watler (reporter) (July 18, 2007). Racing on solar power (Flash) (television report). KLTV/CNN.