American Solar Challenge Check-Point

On July 16, 2018, solar cars competing in the American Solar Challenge 2018 will be coming to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center!  The solar cars are expected to arrive between 12:30-6:00pm, depending on traffic, weather, and energy management decisions made by each of the teams.  The event is free and open to the public.

From July 14-22, 2018, the American Solar Challenge will feature collegiate solar car teams in a road rally style event traveling more than 1700 miles, following portions of the Oregon National Historic Trail and other trails through Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon.  In partnership with the National Park Service, this event will help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System and the 175th anniversary of the Oregon Trail.  Various stops along the route will give visitors the unique opportunity to see the solar cars, meet the teams, participate in local activities, and contrast stories from the past with the possibilities of the future.

Every two years, the Innovators Educational Foundation (IEF) organizes the American Solar Challenge, a collegiate student design competition to design, build, and drive solar-powered vehicles in a cross-country time/distance event.  Annually, IEF also organizes the Formula Sun Grand Prix track event, giving teams another opportunity to compete with their solar cars and train new team members. 

New in 2018, there will be two types of solar vehicles in the competition: the tradition single-occupant vehicles with space only for the driver and the new multi-occupant vehicles capable of transporting passengers and cargo.  Visitors are invited to come see these unique, energy-efficient vehicles and follow their journey to Oregon.

Innovators Educational Foundation would like to thank all of the 2018 sponsors and location hosts for their contributions to the event.  Their support helps make this multi-disciplined, experiential learning event possible. 

Please visit the ASC 2018 competition page for more information and a current list of registered teams.  All solar cars will go through a scrutineering and qualifying process the week prior to the American Solar Challenge, resulting in a final team list for the event.