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Innoptus Solar Team Secures Podium Finish Ahead of the American Solar Challenge 2026
The Innoptus Solar Team's American adventure continues to gain momentum. After successfully passing the technical inspections earlier this week, the team from KU Leuven has now achieved an impressive third-place finish in the Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix, the qualifying event that determines the starting order for the Electrek American Solar Challenge 2026.
For the Belgian students, this result is particularly significant as it marks their first-ever participation in one of the world's most prestigious solar car competitions. Competing against experienced teams from Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States, the team demonstrated the performance and reliability of its solar car, Infinite Apollo, earning a podium finish and securing a strong starting position for the race ahead.
"Our ultimate goal is to compete successfully in the American Solar Challenge, so we're not getting carried away by the qualification results. That said, securing a strong starting position was important to us, and finishing in the top three is a great bonus. I'm incredibly excited. We've worked hard all year to get to this point. Starting the race in third position is something we're very proud of, and we're ready for what's ahead."
Marie-Johanna Schillemans (22, Leuven), Team Manager
Held at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota, the three-day Formula Sun Grand Prix challenges teams to complete as many laps as possible to establish the starting order for the American Solar Challenge. Throughout the event, the Innoptus Solar Team remained focused on its strategy and consistently delivered strong performances, ultimately claiming third place behind teams from ETS Montréal and TU Delft.
Beyond the podium finish, the qualification event also served as a valuable test of the vehicle's reliability. Apart from a couple of punctures and several preventative tire changes, the team encountered no significant technical issues, a promising sign ahead of the demanding eight-day race.
"As a team, you need to complete at least 320 kilometers, and each driver must also cover a minimum distance to qualify. We comfortably met those requirements. The car performed extremely well. We're not used to racing on a circuit, but apart from two punctures and a few preventative tire changes, we experienced no issues. We're in a strong position and have proven that the car is reliable."
Vincent De Maeyer (23, Kalmthout), Driver
This strong performance reflects an entire year of hard work and development. The team has continued to optimize the Infinite Apollo, introducing a new high-efficiency solar panel developed in collaboration with LONGi and an improved battery cooling system. These innovations will play a crucial role as the team prepares to tackle thousands of kilometers across the United States.
Tomorrow, the real challenge begins.
The Electrek American Solar Challenge will take competitors on an eight-day journey from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Amarillo, Texas, crossing eight American states and driving along sections of the legendary Route 66 and Great River Road. Success will depend not only on vehicle performance but also on strategy, energy management, and endurance.
Excitement within the team is high as they prepare to line up on the starting grid.
"The American Solar Challenge is an eight-day race across the United States. We start in Minneapolis and drive all the way to Texas. Throughout those eight days, teams can complete additional loops to maximize the number of kilometers covered. The entire team is incredibly excited to get started. We've spent a full year preparing for this moment. The car has proven to be both highly competitive and reliable during the past month in America."
Wout Maes (23, Herne), Driver
At Innoptus, we are incredibly proud to support these talented students who embody innovation, determination, teamwork, and engineering excellence. Their podium finish is already a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication they have shown throughout the past year.
We would like to warmly congratulate the entire Innoptus Solar Team on this outstanding result and wish them the very best of luck as they begin the American Solar Challenge tomorrow.
Good luck to the entire team. We'll be cheering you on every mile of the journey!
