Cross-Country

Electrek American Solar Challenge

July 25 - August 1, 2026

Minneapolis, MN → Amarillo, TX | Great River Road & Historic Route 66

Race Overview

The Electrek American Solar Challenge is a multi-day, cross-country endurance race for solar-powered vehicles. In 2026, teams race from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis down the Great River Road and along Historic Route 66 to Amarillo, Texas. Only teams that qualify through the Formula Sun Grand Prix compete.

8 Days

July 25 - August 1

4 Stages

7 Checkpoints

5 States

MN → WI → IL → MO → OK → TX

FSGP Qualifiers

Only

The Route

Stage 1 | July 25-27

Minneapolis → Edwardsville

Start at University of Minnesota. Checkpoint at Summit Environmental Elementary in La Crosse, WI. Checkpoint at Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Stage finish at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Stage 2 | July 28-29

Edwardsville → Carthage

Start at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Checkpoint at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO. Stage finish at Memorial Hall in Carthage, MO.

Stage 3 | July 30-31

Carthage → Elk City

Start at Boots Court Motel in Carthage, MO. Checkpoint at Route 66 Historical Village in Tulsa, OK. Stage finish at Route 66 National Museum in Elk City, OK.

Stage 4 | August 1

Elk City → Amarillo

Start at Route 66 National Museum in Elk City, OK. Final finish line at Arts in the Sunset in Amarillo, TX.

Full 2026 Schedule

July 17-20 Scrutineering Brainerd International Raceway

July 21-23 Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix Brainerd International Raceway

July 24 Display Day University of Minnesota

July 25 ASC Start Line University of Minnesota

August 1 ASC Finish Line Arts in the Sunset, Amarillo, TX