The 2018 Solar Car Challenge Comes to Tempe!
The 2018 Solar Car Challenge kicks off this Tuesday, July 17th for a seven-day journey across the Southern US with its final stop and award ceremony in Palmdale, CA. Next Saturday, July 21st, the Solar Car teams will stop here in Tempe at ASU Parking Lot 59 to break for the night and display their vehicles from 5 pm to 9 pm. More than 30 teams are expected to compete this year, bringing an approximate total of 300 participants including students, judges, and family.
Tempe Chamber members supporting this event include Even Stevens who will be providing food and The Tempe Mission Palms, the official hotel for the race participants!
Science & Technology Magazine named the Solar Car Challenge as one of the top Science & Engineering programs in the country. The Challenge is comprised of 192 high school solar car projects in various stages hoping to qualify for this upcoming solar racing event. Team participants are located in 36 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
“For me, the Solar Car Challenge was and has continued to be the singular most important, technically challenging and rewarding event I have been involved with.”, states Arizona State University student, former race participant, and local organizer Taylor Davis.
Taylor Davis racing in a past Solar Car Challenge
“Tempe and the greater Phoenix area are no strangers to solar power and alternative energy, but rarely is it utilized like this! Every stop along the route we try to invite the community out to inspire others (both adults and children alike) to look towards coming technologies with a sense of not only fascination but assuredness in their capabilities. We are going to be displaying our race cars at ASU on Parking Lot 59 (500 E Rio Salado, near the football stadium) Saturday Afternoon/Early Evening July 21st, and we would love to show you first hand just how impactful and fascinating these cars can be.”
For more information about the Solar Car Challenge’s visit to Tempe or to learn how you can help support the teams while they are in town, contact Taylor Davis.
Solar Car Challenge Route Map:
