The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a competition to design, build, and drive solar-powered cars in a cross-country time/distance rally event. Teams compete over a 1200-1500 mile course between multiple cities across the country. The event has had 20 years of organized events in North America. Teams come from universities, mainly in the U.S. and Canada.
Originally called Sunrayce USA, the first race was organized and sponsored by General Motors in 1990 in an effort to promote automotive engineering and solar energy among college students. Subsequent races were held in 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999 under the name Sunrayce.
The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a track event that is held on grand prix or road style closed courses. This unique style of racying truly test the limits of solar cars in handling curves, braking and acceleration. Strategy applied during these three day events is different than what is applied on the cross-country event.
The American Solar Challenge and the Formula Sun Grand Prix are hosted by theInnovators Educational Foundation, a 501c3 organization devoted to applied learning in the areas of science, engineering, and technology.
On their website, ASC describe the benefits of the challenge as:
- A greater understanding of solar energy technology, its environmental benefits and its promise for the future;
- Educational excellence in science, engineering and mathematics—and the creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a range of disciplines;
- And, a “hands-on” opportunity for students and engineers to develop and demonstrate their technical and creative abilities.
