Behind every great event lies an even greater story. The iLumen European Solar Challenge (iESC) is no exception. What is now known as the world’s only 24-hour solar car race is the result of years of growth, ambition, and a strong international community.
For event organiser Michiel, who has been involved with the iESC since 2019, that evolution has been visible up close. What started as a small-scale idea has grown into a unique endurance event at Circuit Zolder.
From idea to 24-Hour challenge
The origins of the iESC lie in a simple concept: bringing together a limited number of solar cars for an event. But the idea quickly outgrew its initial scope.
The event originally started in Zutendaal as a small initiative. As the concept grew, so did the ambition. In 2014, the event moved to Circuit Zolder in Belgium, marking a turning point in its evolution. It became clear that this iconic location called for something bigger. When you think of Zolder, you think of 24-hour races, and that exact concept was translated into solar racing.
According to Michiel, that decision ultimately defined the identity of the iESC. Not a traditional race, but a true endurance challenge powered by solar energy.
Where strategy makes the difference
A 24-hour race changes everything. While shorter races are often decided by speed, the iESC is all about strategy.
Teams constantly need to adapt. When do we charge? When do we take risks? What happens when the weather changes? Every decision directly impacts the final result.
This added complexity makes the challenge not only greater, but also more interesting. Cars must not only be fast, but above all reliable. They need to perform continuously for 24 hours under constant pressure.
As Michiel sees it, it is exactly this combination of technology and strategy that makes the race so unique.
Behind the scenes: a well-oiled machine
For spectators, everything happens on track. Behind the scenes, however, a much larger operation is at work.
According to Michiel Janssen, everything starts with the team. As coordinator, he is responsible for processing registrations, handling invoicing, managing sponsor relations, and leading key discussions on the direction of the event from deciding what is feasible to determining how many cars can participate. “I can count my blessings with this team,” he says.
At the core are key figures such as chairman Frans-Joseph Joosten and vice chairman Ismaël Ben-Al-Lal, supported by experienced team members like Kristof Gaukema as Senior Regulations Manager and Robin Paenen as Regulations Manager, who oversee the technical side of the competition.
They are backed by a large group of dedicated volunteers, each playing a crucial role and reflecting the strong international solar racing community, with participants travelling from across the globe, including Australia. This network is coordinated by volunteer manager Kyron Pijpers, who ensures that every volunteer contributes to bringing the event to life.
Among them is Safety Pete, who takes on the role of Safety Manager and Senior Volunteer Manager. He travels all the way from Australia to support the event, underlining the international commitment and dedication behind the organisation.
On the operational side, logistics manager Jo plays a crucial role. He describes the event as “actually pure chaos,” emphasizing that this is exactly why strong people are needed to maintain a clear overview. From ensuring everything is in the right place at the right time, to managing materials and coordinating the side activities, he is responsible for turning that complexity into a smoothly running event.
The weeks leading up to the event are all about preparation. Registrations, partners, planning, and materials every aspect is carefully managed.
A community coming together
What makes the iESC truly special is the community around it. Teams travel to Zolder from all over the world, some even from Australia.
In the days leading up to the race, everyone lives and works together at the circuit. There is hard work, testing, but also sharing and celebrating. According to Michiel, that sense of collaboration and mutual respect is typical for solar racing.
It is not just a competition. It is a shared passion.
The moment where everything comes together
Each year, there is one moment that stands out for Michiel: the start of the race.
After days of preparation, tension builds in the pit lane. Teams are ready, final checks are completed, and the energy is tangible.
When the cars finally hit the track, there is a sense of release. Everything that has been worked towards for months comes together in that moment.
For the organisation, it feels like relief, but also like the real beginning. “That’s when you know: we’re underway.”
Continuing to grow
With every edition, the iESC continues to grow. The number of teams keeps increasing, along with the level of ambition.
According to Michiel, the biggest challenge is not just organising the race, but continuously improving it. How do you keep the event engaging year after year?
Thanks to experience from previous editions and an increasingly refined playbook, the organisation keeps learning and evolving. The foundation is strong, but the bar keeps rising.
More than a race
For Michiel, one thing is clear: the iESC is more than just a race.
It is the students who make the difference. Their dedication, creativity, and perseverance show what is possible when technology and ambition come together.
They are not just building solar cars. They are helping shape the future of mobility.
