SIUE Solar Car Racing Team Competes in Bowling Green, Ky.; Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025 Marks Vehicle Debut
On Sunday, June 29, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Solar Car Racing Team headed to Bowling Green, Ky. for the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix 2025 competition at the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. This competition marks the debut of the Team’s new vehicle—SIUE’s first new solar vehicle to participate in competition since 2019.
“The team has been working around the clock to get our new car ready for the race,” said Jakob Schoeberle, president of the SIUE Solar Racing Team. “We recently had to quickly pivot to a new shell since our supplier's machine broke. Instead of giving up, we banded together to design and build our new shell.”
“We couldn't have done it without each and every one of our teammates pulling together and working day and night, including one all-nighter until 5 a.m.,” added Schoeberle.
The competition takes place from June 30 to July 5th, with scrutineering from June 30 to July 2, where the vehicle undergoes static and dynamic testing. Once teams pass the scrutineering stage, a three-day track event begins, where teams complete as many laps as possible using solar power to charge their batteries.
“We are proud of our solar racing team, which exemplifies the innovative and hands-on learning experience within the School of Engineering,” said Chris Gordon, PhD, Associate Dean of SIUE’s School of Engineering. “We look forward to cheering the team on during the race!”
PHOTOS: SIUE’s Solar Racing Team, photos by Howard Ash
