A Belgian team won the American Solar Challenge on its first appearance in the event, according to Tweakers. The race took place in the United States, with the win reported on Monday, August 3, 2026.
The Delft Solar Team from the Netherlands finished in second place, as reported by Omroep West. Team member Mike Kuijper told Leidsch Dagblad that he could see himself working as a strategist in Formula 1 in the future.
The American Solar Challenge is a prestigious solar car race, according to multiple Dutch outlets covering the event. The race spans a long distance across the US, with teams competing in solar-powered vehicles.
Dutch media reported on the challenging conditions during the race. Omroep West quoted a Delft student describing the heat as so intense that they felt unwell, calling the defeat "sour." The extreme temperatures appeared to be a significant factor in the race's difficulty.
Several Dutch participants drew attention for their personal stories. AD.nl profiled Wietske, a 24-year-old who called the experience a dream come true and said she would never forget it. Eindhovens Dagblad reported on Tom van Aaken, a 22-year-old from Vessem who secured silver with his solar car team.
The race results mark a notable achievement for the Belgian team, which entered the competition for the first time and came away with the top prize. The Delft team's second-place finish came despite the challenging weather conditions described by its members.
As solar technology continues to advance, future editions of the American Solar Challenge will likely see even tighter competition between international university teams.
