International Solar Car Competition to Finish In Amarillo
Collegiate solar car teams from around the world will arrive at Arts in the Sunset on Saturday, Aug. 1st, completing the 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge. More than 40 teams from the United States, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands registered for the competition. The biennial event challenges students to design and build vehicles powered by solar energy, then demonstrate their performance in a long-distance endurance competition.
Teams typically spend one to two years designing, building and testing their vehicles. Each team must also submit detailed design reports and pass technical and safety inspections before qualifying for the road competition. The 2026 challenge was commissioned as an official Route 66 Centennial event. The course covers more than 1,500 miles along the Great River Road and Historic Route 66 from Minneapolis to Amarillo.
The public may watch the cars arrive at Arts in the Sunset from noon to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Vehicles will remain on display until 5 p.m. A free awards ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the AJ Swope Performance Plaza.