The Competition
History
In 2011, Tech Parks Arizona initiated the Racing the Sun competition and is in its eighth year of providing this event. This competition was specifically designed for high-schoolers, to provide a unique, hands-on experience. Not many students receive the chance to grow their skills in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields in high school, let alone build a solar-powered go-kart themselves. This event was created in 2011 to allow students the opportunity to stretch themselves in ways of using STEM skills as well as "soft" skills such as teamwork collaboration and communication.
Racing the Sun began with three schools participating, but it has grown significantly over these eight years and continues to thrive.
Competition Rules
Racing the Sun Schedule
Schedule of Events for Race Teams (2017 update)
Kart Profiles
Every team is provided with competition rules which outline the requirements for team size, registration dates, costs, schedule of events, race format, types of karts, mechanical specifications, building requirements, safety regulations, scoring, penalties, and inspections.
There are three types of karts that students can build:
Standard Kart
Standard Kart $3,150
The Standard Kart which is a pre-fabricated steel frame that bolts together without the need for welding or specialized workshop space. This kart comes with standard wheels, seat, safety belt, mirrors, solar panel mount and other items. This type of kart is intended for first-year teams, teams with less technical expertise, or teams that lack high-end facilities and equipment. The majority of the kart cannot be altered with the exception of shocks, gasoline engine, revision of the gear ratio, and rear axle.
The fee to participate with a standard kart is $3,150 and includes a bolted together steel chassis, tires, solar panel with mounting kit, motor, motor controller, throttle, and batteries.
Example Standard Kart below
Modified Kart
Modified Kart $2,000
The Modified Kart which utilizes a standard kart chassis with modifications made by the team. Once a team has competed for at least one year, they may choose to modify their standard kart by removing non-essential portions of the metal frame. They have the ability to be more creative with the kart provided that it meets all the safety regulations.
The fee to participate with a modified kart is $2,000 and includes all mandated parts such as the motor, motor controller, throttle, batteries and the solar charge controller. The price to participate with a maker kart is $2,000 and includes all mandated parts such as the motor, motor controller, throttle, batteries, and the solar charge controller.
Example Modified Kart below
Facilities
Musselman Honda Circuit is a 1,264-meter professional racetrack located in southeast Tucson. Musselman hosts corporate events, parties, monthly track days, training and more. As our partner since the third year of the competition, our students appreciate the fully functional racetrack and knowledgeable staff.
The Musselman Honda Circuit