11 Jul Formula Sun Grand Prix coming to Circuit of the Americas

Circuit of The Americas™ welcomes back the Formula Sun Grand Prix powered by Austin Energy on July 19 for a FREE day of solar car racing, exhibits and activities for all ages open to the public at Circuit of The Americas from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twenty-three teams have registered for this year’s event, representing colleges and universities from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, India and Iran. Austin's local university team, The University of Texas at Austin Solar Vehicles Team (UTSVT) will be returning with a newly upgraded car called the TexSun. Other competitors include the University of Michigan, UC Berkeley and MIT.

This event is a three-day endurance competition and American Solar Challenge qualifying race which will be using the full 3.426 mile Circuit of The Americas track configuration. The track runs in a counter-clockwise direction, which includes the hill at turn 1, several S-curves, and a variety of hair pin turns around the track. Austin's local university team, The University of Texas at Austin Solar Vehicles Team (UTSVT) will be returning with a newly upgraded car called the TexSun.

In addition to the main competition, planned activities include a model solar car workshop for kids, a demonstration of remote control solar cars by the Solar Rollers, and live broadcasting by KDRP – Sun Radio.

The racing hours are 9am-5pm. If you come as early as 8:00AM, you can see the teams in their charging configuration. During charging, the body of the car with the solar array is pointed towards the sun revealing the chassis underneath. This can also be a great time to meet and greet with the teams as they prepare for the final day of the qualifying race.

Parking is free and concessions will be available for purchase. All activities will be setup in the paddock area, with the ability to see the race from the stands and participate in the additional educational activities setup outside/inside the Event Center.

See footage and media coverage of the 2013 event here >>

Get more event details and directions here >>