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Belgian Solar Car Cleared to Begin Its American Adventure
Minneapolis (Minnesota), Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - Today, the Infinite Apollo, the solar car developed by the Innoptus Solar Team, received official approval to compete in the Electrek American Solar Challenge 2026 after successfully passing all technical inspections. This marks the team's first-ever participation in the prestigious American competition.
The engineering students from KU Leuven will line up on the starting grid with a number of significant improvements to their solar vehicle, including a more efficient solar panel and an optimized battery cooling system. Before the main race begins, teams must compete in a three-day qualification event, consisting of a total of 24 hours of track time spread across three 8-hour sessions. During this challenge, teams will aim to complete as many laps as possible on the Brainerd International Raceway to secure the best starting position for the race.
Technical Inspection
Over the past few days, the Infinite Apollo underwent the competition's rigorous technical inspection process, known as scrutineering, to ensure the vehicle complies with all regulations and is fit to operate on public roads.
The rules for the American Solar Challenge are even stricter than those of previous competitions in which the team has participated. To meet these requirements, the students implemented several modifications, including the addition of a roll cage. Every aspect of the vehicle was thoroughly inspected, from the suspension, brakes, electronics, and battery system to overall safety performance. Dynamic tests were also conducted to evaluate factors such as vehicle stability and handling.
"Today, we successfully completed the technical inspection, which ensures that the car complies with all competition regulations and is safe to drive on public roads. The inspectors reviewed the mechanical systems, electrical systems, batteries, and even driver safety. This is our first time competing in the United States, where the regulations differ from those we are used to in Australia. We're very happy that everything went smoothly, which means we can start the qualification rounds tomorrow."
Mathilde Blanc (24, Nivelles), Public Relations
Secret Weapon
Over the last year, the team has worked extensively to further improve the solar car. In addition to implementing the roll cage and other modifications required by the stricter regulations, the Infinite Apollo has also been upgraded in key performance areas.
In collaboration with LONGi Solar, the team developed a new solar panel that offers even greater efficiency than its predecessor. The battery cooling system was also redesigned and optimized to improve overall energy management and performance during the race.
"This year, we introduced several new innovations. One of them is a new solar panel with higher efficiency, allowing us to generate more energy and ultimately drive faster."
Jarno Van Hemelen (33, Beersel), Alumni
Looking Ahead
Over the next three days, teams will spend eight hours per day completing as many laps as possible on the Brainerd International Raceway. The results will determine the starting order for the main race on Saturday.
Once the race begins, competitors will embark on an eight-day journey across the United States, traveling from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Amarillo, Texas. Along the way, they will cross eight American states and drive portions of the legendary Great River Road and Route 66.
The members of the Innoptus Solar Team are eagerly looking forward to getting underway.
Interview - ASC 2026 - Technical Inspection
"Tomorrow, we begin the qualification rounds. We have three days to complete as many laps as possible here at Brainerd Raceway. The results will determine the starting order for the competition, which officially begins this Saturday."
Mathilde Blanc (24, Nivelles), Public Relations