Solar Car Challenge Event Update 2025-1
Significant Dates in the 2025 Solar Car Challenge
September 14 - Teams Workshop
DFW Marriott & Golf Club, Fort Worth, Texas
January 17-19 - Specialty Workshop
DFW Marriott & Golf Club, Fort Worth, Texas
January 31, 2025 - Deadline to file Intent-to-Race Form
https://www.solarcarchallenge.org/challenge/intent.shtml (opens in new tab)
March 1 - Deadline to file Official Registration Documents and Fees
- Mail the hard copy of the registration documents to:
Solar Car Challenge Foundation, 3505 Cassidy Drive, Plano, TX 75023.
Registration envelope must be postmarked no later than March 1st. - Email the digital copy to registration@solarcarchallenge.org (opens in new tab).
Use a Word or PDF format. Google documents will not be accepted.
June 1 - Deadline to submit solar car vehicle liability insurance certificate
Email to marks@solarcarchallenge.org (opens in new tab)
June 15 - Deadline to submit digital copy of Team Scrapbook required by Rule 3.9.
Send scrapbook in PDF format to scrapbook@solarcarchallenge.org (opens in new tab)
July 1 - Deadline to send video of Team Oral Presentation
Send to video@solarcarchallenge.org (opens in new tab)
July 16 - Team Check-in at the DFW Marriott & Golf Club, Fort Worth, Texas
[All persons taking part in the Race must attend Team Check-In]
July 16 - All Team Meeting & Drivers Meeting - Ballroom of the DFW Marriott
[All persons taking part in the Race must attend the All Team Meeting]
2025 Race Fees
The non-refundable Registration & Racing fee must accompany the registration packet due March 1, 2025.
After a great deal of consideration, the Solar Car Challenge Foundation Board of Directors has announced an increase in the Registration and Racing Fees for the 2025 Solar Car Challenge Education Program. This is the result of the Texas Motor Speedway increasing prices, and the rapidly increasing costs associated with the conduct of the education program and racing event.
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee [Track Race fee for 15 race participants] | $2,500 |
| Racing Fee Fee paid to Texas Motor Speedway for using the speedway (per vehicle) | $1,250 |
| Additional Team Member Fee Teams get 15 credentials free; extra members are $200/person. Payable at Team Check-In. | $200/person |
| Late Arrival Fee Arriving late requires $250 fee + one-hour safety film before credentials. | $250/person |
| Banquet Ticket Admission to both Opening & Awards Banquets. $65/person before June 15, $75/person after, $100/person at the door. | $65/person |
Best Practices
Best Practices are not rules, but are suggestions to help teams with design and engineering.
Use of Bicycle Forks
Several teams have attempted to use bicycle forks for their suspension. Bicycle components are designed for stresses along the vertical axis, in line with the fork. However, solar cars must deal with both vertical and horizontal stresses. Improper mounting will cause suspension collapse when turning. Teams must ensure proper mounting and evaluate fork stress limits.
Use of Bicycle Wheels
Bicycle wheels are designed for vertical stresses. In solar cars, horizontal stresses and higher weight can cause spokes to detach, puncture tires, collapse, or bend. Reinforce spoke attachments and ensure the wheel can handle solar car loads.
Solid-State Relays
While allowed for motor or array relay/contactors, some solid-state relays fail closed (short circuit) instead of open. Repeated operation can weld them closed. Test thoroughly and include a backup plan.
Crush Zone Materials
Most teams use metal for crush zones, but foam or other impact-absorbing materials may provide better protection. A full metal crush zone of the same material as the safety cell may not absorb impact effectively.