Along with the journey across the Pacific, SunStang has another big project, a little closer to home. The American Solar Challenge is a cross-country challenge to design, build and drive solar cars in 1500 mile races across North America. University teams from Canada and the US have been participating in the American Solar Challenge for 20 years, judged on their distance and time. These races occur every even-numbered year, and SunStang will be participating in 2016. Also part of the Challenge, is the Formula Sun Grand Prix.

The Formula Sun Grand Prix is a track event which takes place on grand prix or road style closed tracks. Formula Sun Grand Prix is the qualifier to the American Solar Challenge and pushes teams and vehicles to their limits. Overall the event takes six days, the first three consist of technical inspection of the vehicles and the next three are the race. Teams that pass this inspection will then go on to race for three days. Whichever team can complete the most laps within that time will win the race. Quick pit stops, passing technique and an in-depth understanding of the regulations are crucial for success at this event. Completing this event proves the worthiness of vehicles and allows them to continue to the American Solar Challenge.

This year's Formula Sun Grand Prix will take place at The Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, Pennsylvania. The competition will run from July 22nd to the 28th. Following that will be the 2016 ASC, which is a part of the 2016 National Parks Service Centennial, travelling from Ohio to South Dakota through 9 of the American National Parks. ASC runs from July 30th to August 6th.

Follow our social media to see how we're progressing on the car for this years race!