Solar cars complete Route 66 journey at 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge

The 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge concluded in Amarillo, Texas, after teams traversed 1,550 miles from Minneapolis. College participants from various universities, including those from Kentucky, Purdue, and Canadian schools, designed solar vehicles for this competition. The event, part of the Route 66 centennial, featured both Single Occupant Vehicle Class and Multi Occupant Vehicle Class. Participants faced challenges in aerodynamics and weather conditions while relying on solar power to travel during daylight hours. The competition promotes innovation and engineering skills among students, with many previous contestants now working in aerospace and engineering sectors.

• 9:45 AMYahoo Sports — Amarillo serves as finish line for solar car Route 66 race