Introduction
The sun has set on a frantic day of scrutineering at this year’s Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP), as teams scramble to secure their positions for the race set to start tomorrow morning. The 2025 FSGP is anticipated to be one of the most attended events in its history, featuring a strong lineup of both first-time and returning schools. However, with this enthusiasm comes the challenge of introducing new, unproven vehicles onto the track.
New Cars and Team Collaboration
Today, I wandered through the paddocks, engaging with several teams who could spare a moment to chat. Notably, almost all of them are debuting entirely new cars, the result of years of hard work and innovation. Building a solar car is a complex task, often hindered not only by engineering challenges but also by financial constraints. Yet, what makes this event truly special is the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation that blossoms behind the scenes.
Northwestern University’s Return
Northwestern University is back with a completely new vehicle this season, marking its eighth entry since the team’s inception in 1997 during the GM Sunrayce days. Their motor controller, which regulates power from the batteries to the motor, was generously provided by the Stanford team, who had an extra unit to spare. This collaborative spirit extends beyond equipment; two members of the Northwestern team, Shannon and Fiona, revealed that four other teams assisted them with a crucial tire replacement around 1 a.m. Wednesday, ensuring they wouldn’t miss vital scrutineering opportunities.
West Virginia’s 35th Anniversary
This year is particularly exciting for the West Virginia team, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary as a solar car team, making them one of the oldest competitors on the track. Their vehicle, Sunseeker, is a single-occupant design. After facing issues following last year’s American Solar Challenge (ASC) cross-country event, where a critical component, the control arm, broke, the team has returned with a completely redesigned control arm crafted from both aluminum and steel.
New Entrants and Challenges
Among the newcomers this year are teams from the University of Florida, the University of Puerto Rico, NC State, and UC Irvine. Remarkably, UC Irvine is participating for the first time ever in the American Solar Challenge/Formula Sun Grand Prix. While they may not be ready for the starting line tomorrow, they are optimistic about getting on track shortly after.
Proven Performers: Polytechnique Montréal
Conversely, teams like Polytechnique Montréal are returning with their renowned vehicle, Esteban, which undergoes minor enhancements each year. In a conversation with the team, they shared that the car’s motor was disassembled and thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the event, and they have successfully passed scrutineering, ready to compete.
Scrutineering and Race Schedule
For teams that have not yet completed scrutineering within the past three days, there remains an opportunity, although it will cut into their track time. Last year, École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) and Polytechnique Montréal claimed victory in the Single-Occupant Vehicle (SOV) and Multi-Occupant Vehicle (MOV) classes, respectively, highlighting the strength of Canadian teams.
Event Details and Public Participation
The 2025 Electrek FSGP will take place at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Notably, this venue is occasionally used by General Motors for Corvette testing and development, creating a full-circle moment for the event.
The event is open to the public and is free to attend, offering fans a chance to witness the solar car race up close. Racing kicks off on July 3rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT and continues through July 5th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
2025 Electrek FSGP Schedule
- July 2 (Wednesday)
- 9 a.m.–7 p.m.: Scrutineering
- 10 a.m.–8 p.m.: Altair Challenge
- July 3 (Thursday)
- 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Altair Challenge
- 10 a.m.–6 p.m.: Hot Track
- 6 p.m.–8 p.m.: Evening Charging
- July 4 (Friday)
- 7 a.m.–9 a.m.: Morning Charging
- 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: Hot Track
- 5 p.m.–8 p.m.: Evening Charging
- July 5 (Saturday)
- 7 p.m.: Awards Ceremony
- 7 a.m.–9 a.m.: Morning Charging
- 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: Hot Track
Participating Teams
This year’s competitors include:
- Purdue
- Kentucky
- Florida
- Berkeley
- UT Austin
- Iowa State
- RIT
- Northwestern
- Michigan State
- Stanford
- Illinois State
- Washington
- Virginia Tech
- Illinois
- Waterloo
- British Columbia
- Missouri S&T
- Georgia Tech
- Polytechnique Montréal
- SIUE
- Calgary
- Rutgers
- Toronto
- Florida Poly
- Virginia
- UC Irvine
- Western Ontario
- NC State
- McMaster
- Montana State
- UOP
- Western Michigan
- Puerto Rico
- App State
If you are interested in supporting these events as a sponsor, please reach out to us!
