High school teams race solar cars more than 600 miles across Texas

HILLSBORO, Texas (KWTX) — High school students from across the country are putting solar power to the test this week, racing student-built cars more than 600 miles across Texas as part of the Solar Car Challenge.

The five-day competition began Monday in Fort Worth and is scheduled to end Thursday in Fort Stockton. Organizers say the challenge is designed to motivate students in science and engineering while building awareness of alternative energy.

This year, 24 teams from six states are competing.

Teams made a pit stop at the Hill County Courthouse in Hillsboro to recharge before hitting the road again. The first-place team arrived well ahead of several others.

“We’ve got a pretty good lead right now, so our goal for today is to finish all of the miles and keep that lead,” said Ethan Kiowski, Greenville High School’s team captain.

Kiowski said his team began designing its solar car in 2024 and finished it in spring 2025. He said the team also took the car to Australia to compete in a race last fall.

“With the speeds we are cruising, it’s definitely fun to see,” Kiowski said. “We’ve gotten up to almost 70 today, so we’re excited. This car handles really great at high speeds and is very efficient, so we are able to maintain those high speeds.”

To track the teams and see who is named the national champion, click here.