EVENT: The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin is hosting the 2017 Formula Sun Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas on Saturday, July 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eighteen college and university teams from the U.S. and Canada will compete in solar-powered electric vehicles that they designed and built. This unique engineering competition is powered entirely by the sun and based on innovation, speed and endurance. The paddock and garages will be open to the public, and guests can enjoy exhibits and activities, including a children’s solar model car building workshop.
The event begins with three days of inspections known as scrutineering, followed by three days of solar-powered “raycing.” During the final day of competition, the public will have the opportunity to get up close with the solar cars and cheer on their favorite teams, including the UT Austin Solar Vehicles Team. To win the race, each team will strive to complete the most laps on the nearly 3½-mile-long track — using only solar power.
WHEN: Public Day, Saturday, July 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
COST: Attendance and parking are free.
WHERE: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, Texas
WHO MAY ATTEND: Media and the public. Concessions will be available. Visitors are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Gary Hallock, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and members of the UT Austin Solar Vehicles Team will have press availability.
For more information visit http://americansolarchallenge.org/the-competition/fsgp-2017/
Background: The Innovators Educational Foundation organizes the annual Formula Sun Grand Prix track event, giving college and university teams an opportunity to compete with their solar cars and train new team members. Every two years, the Innovators Educational Foundation organizes the American Solar Challenge, a collegiate student design competition to design, build and drive solar-powered vehicles in a cross-country time and distance event.
