If you traveled between Scottsbluff NE and Casper WY on Monday, July 16, that was probably the question running through your mind. This happened to be part of the course for this year’s  American Solar Challenge. The race is held every two years and averages 1500-2000 miles. This event is open to collegiate level solar car teams from countries all over the world. The routes have varied greatly over the history of this event, but are always designed to provide each team the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of their solar car in real world driving conditions and thoroughly test the reliability of all onboard systems. This year’s course runs from Omaha, NE to Bend, OR at approximately 1700 miles and will take 9 days to complete. The teams compete in two categories, single-occupant vehicles and multi-occupant vehicles. There were 4 teams in the multi category and 10 in the single as they raced through Lusk. Each solar car had a lead and follow car, as well as a team trailer. The lead car’s purpose is navigation, and the follow car is for repairs and maintenance, as well as to keep other vehicles from interfering with the slower-moving solar car. The average speed of these vehicles is 30-35 mph, so the follow car stays close behind for protection. The cars are in constant contact with their team, relaying all kinds of information from their onboard systems. Each team must carefully monitor weather patterns and adjust their driving strategies accordingly. Teams often have to get creative in solving issues along the way since there aren’t as many resources on the side of the highway, especially in Wyoming. Good luck to all the teams participating. For more information and results of the Challenge go to americansolarchallenge.org