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Races

The team primarily focuses on two races: the American Solar Challenge, held in the United States, and the World Solar Challenge, held in Australia.


The World Solar Challenge started in 1987. It is the oldest solar race and draws competitors from not only universities but private organizations and companies, as well. The World Solar Challenge bisects the continent of Australia: competitors must cross from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, bracing 3000 kilometers of harsh Australian outback.

The American Solar Challenge started in July 1990, as the GM Sunrayce USA. The first race was almost 3000 kilometers long. The race changed its name to Sunrayce, and finally it became known as the American Solar Challenge in 2001. The 2001 and 2003 races were approximately 3700 kilometers in length, following historic Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The American Solar Challenge is held every odd-numbered year.

An American Solar Challenge "Pre-Qualifier" competition is held in the spring before the actual competition. This allows teams to qualify for the race months ahead of time, as well as giving some teams a second chance to qualify in the days immediately preceding the race.