Solar cars drove past Fairfield July 24-25, en route to Casper, WY, on a cross-country American Solar Challenge event.
The American Solar Challenge is a solar-powered vehicle event that challenges teams of college students to design, build, and drive their solar cars on a pre-determined route.
Cars were seen parked by the side of the road July 24, around 6:30 p.m., to stop for the night. Tents were set up for drivers and those accompanying them to stay in, before starting out early again Thursday morning.
According to the American Solar Challenge website: “Teams must first design and build a solar-powered vehicle that meets every requirement set forth in the regulations. They are required to submit vehicle design reports and other documentation to race officials prior to the event for approval.
“The best teams will conduct as much testing and optimization of their vehicle as possible before the racing starts. When teams arrive on site for the event, their first task is to pass Scrutineering inspections where race officials closely inspect every aspect of their vehicle to ensure full compliance with the regulations.
“Cars that pass Scrutineering move on to the Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) track race, where they must complete a pre-determined number of laps with multiple drivers to qualify for ASC.
“Teams that make it safely this far have proved their solar cars are ready to attempt the cross-country journey...
ASC is intended to test the reliability and endurance of all solar car systems.”
Along the route are a series of stage stops and checkpoints, which provide an opportunity for the public to come out and see the cars up close.
The group’s main goal was to reach Wyoming using only solar power; the cars do have batteries, which factor into the overall energy management strategy of each team.
All of the teams aim to complete the route on solar power without trailering.
The teams participating in the event began in Nashville, TN, and had 10 stops between the start and finish line. Three of those stops were in Nebraska, including the Homestead National Historical Park in Beatrice; the Archway near Kearney; and the Scottsbluff National Monument near Gering.
