Students hit the road for a premier collegiate competition, traveling along portions of Route 66

ELSAH, IL. — The Principia Solar Car Team will put months of student-driven engineering and teamwork to the test this summer as it competes in the 2026 American Solar Challenge and Formula Sun Grand Prix, a cross-country road race that showcases the next generation of clean-energy innovation. The team is one of the nation’s most successful collegiate solar racing programs with a record of excellence, sportsmanship, and safety.

Beginning July 21 and continuing through August 1, collegiate teams from across North America will race solar-powered vehicles from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Amarillo, Texas. The route follows the Great River Road through the Midwest before joining stretches of historic Route 66 through Missouri and Oklahoma, offering communities along the way a close-up look at renewable energy technology.

For Principia College, the challenge represents an opportunity for testing their hard work and putting their ideas into practice. The Solar Car program is one of Principia College’s signature experiential programs, giving students hands-on experience in engineering design, manufacturing, project management, and logistics. Students are responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating a vehicle powered entirely by energy captured from the sun.

“Every member of our team has contributed to getting this car on the road” said Hamza Njuba, a student-team lead. “Whether through engineering, strategy, logistics, or outreach, we’ve all worked hard to get to where we are. We’re excited to demonstrate how solar technology can perform in real-world conditions while representing Principia.”

“Students learn to solve complex engineering problems while working as a part of a multidisciplinary team,” said Faculty advisor Brian Kamunsinga. Experiences like these prepare them to become leaders and innovators in their future careers.”

The team enters this year’s competition with a strong record of success. Despite being a small liberal arts college, Principia captured first place in the Single Occupant Vehicle category at the 2022 Formula Sun Grand Prix and went on to finish second overall in the 2022 American Solar Car Challenge against some of North America’s largest engineering schools. More recently, the team earned second-place finishes at the 2023 and 2024 Formula Sun Grand Prix events and received the 2023 Dr. James Hill Sportsmanship Award.

The team’s impact can be seen through its alumni network, with former solar car participants going on to careers in aerospace, technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Alumni have worked at organizations including Boeing, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and emerging technology startups. Others have contributed to clean-energy innovation and engineering leadership roles across the country.

The race also reflects Principia's broader commitment to sustainability. The College recently expanded renewable energy initiatives through a solar array that supplies approximately 35 percent of campus energy usage, reinforcing its investment in environmental stewardship and hands-on learning.

As the solar car team travels through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, Principia plans to engage with local communities and supporters at designated checkpoints and overnight stops. A special gathering is planned in Edwardsville, Illinois, where supporters, alumni, and college leadership—including Principia College President Dr. Meggan Madden—will welcome the team as it passes through the region.

For additional details, visit principiacollege.edu/solar-summer.