Saturday, April 25th — 14 teams from 11 schools across the state of Arizona gathered at the Musselman Honda Circuit for the ultimate engineering test: Race Day! Teams spent the past nine months designing and building their own solar powered go-kart. After a round of inspections and presentations, the teams hit the track with their karts. Beyond racing, teams and spectators were also able to enjoy exhibitors with engineering activities, a kite making and LEGO car racing activity, music, food trucks, and a car show!
138 students with 12 faculty advisors represented the 2025-26 Racing the Sun (RTS) season. 71.4% of students came from groups who are underrepresented in STEM.
What are students saying about RTS?
94.5 % of students reported that they feel more confident in their ability to solve problems by thinking critically and designing solutions after participating in RTS. 82.8% of students responded that they know they can make the world a better place through science and engineering after participation. When asked what their favorite part about participating in RTS was, students responded:
- Figuring out how to find and solve problems on the kart
- Getting a new experience in high school not many get to experience
- My favorite part was meeting new people and working with my peers to construct the kart
- Having the opportunity to experience new things
“I think that SARSEF helped me become a better leader and build my communication skills and I am very thankful for that.” – 2025-2026 student participant.
Winner’s List
Innovator Award: Empire Strikes Back, Empire High School
Spirit Award: Apollo Racing, Center for Academic Success
Best Appearing Kart: Spider OHM, Rio Rico High School
Best Documentation Award: Spider OHM, Rio Rico High School
J and J Engineering Award: Rio Rico High School
Coach of the Year: Chelle Myrann, CCHS & Rene De La Torre, Shadow Ridge High School
Rookie of Year: Globe High School
Grand Champion: Solar Stallions, Shadow Ridge HS
Division Winners:
Standard- Speed Devils, Sunnyside
Legacy – A-10 Strikers, Mica Mountain
Maker – Solar Stallions, Shadow Ridge HS
Speed Award:
Standard- Storm Bringers, Mica Mountain
Legacy – Viper Racing, San Miguel
Maker – Solar Stallions, Shadow Ridge
Endurance Award:
Standard – Storm Bringers, Mica Mountain
Legacy – Viper Racing, San Miguel
Maker – Solar Stallions, Shadow Ridge HS
Best Verbal Presentation: Solar Stallions, Shadow Ridge HS
RTS in the News
Check out these pieces from media outlets across Southern Arizona!
KOLD News: https://www.kold.com/2026/05/01/arizona-students-build-race-solar-powered-go-karts/
Surprise Independent: https://www.yourvalley.net/surprise-independent/stories/surprise-high-school-students-design-race-solar-go-karts,687752
Tucson Spotlight: https://www.tucsonspotlight.org/arizona-students-build-race-solar-go-karts-at-tucson-track/
Thank you to our Racing the Sun supporters!
