Catch the start of the Action as Solar Cars depart on their 1500+ mile journey. Following the Great River Road and Historic Route 66, the Electrek American Solar Challenge 2026 is an America250 partner event and Route 66 Centennial certified event.
The first solar car will depart at 9am and then solar cars will depart in 1-minute increments. We highly recommend arriving early to claim your spot along the pedestrian mall to get a view of the start line.
The start line is located on the pedestrianized part of Church Street in front of Lind Hall at the University of Minnesota. Solar cars will then head north towards University Ave.
