The grid is taking shape. And this year, solar racing is bringing the world to Circuit Zolder.
On September 19 and 20, teams from across Europe and beyond will come together for one challenge: 24 hours of solar racing at the iLumen European Solar Challenge. From Belgium and the Netherlands to Sweden, Türkiye and Romania, the 2026 line-up once again shows just how international the world of solar racing has become. And while every team arrives with its own car, strategy and ambitions, they’ll all be chasing the same thing: the iESC trophy.
But there’s more than one title at stake.
Alongside the battle for the European title, teams can also compete for the national championship title in their own country. So while they take on an international field at Circuit Zolder, some will also be going head-to-head with their fellow national teams.
Two classes, one 24-hour challenge
The competing solar cars are divided into two categories: Challenger Class and Cruiser Class.
The Challenger Class makes up the largest part of this year’s grid, bringing together teams from universities across Europe and beyond. Familiar names such as Top Dutch Solar Racing, Innoptus Solar Team, Sonnenwagen Aachen and Solar Team Twente will line up alongside many other ambitious teams.
The field also includes teams travelling to Belgium from countries including Türkiye, Sweden, Ireland, Norway and Switzerland.
And some universities are bringing more than one car to Zolder. Innoptus Solar Team, Top Dutch Solar Racing, Sonnenwagen Aachen and Solis UTCN, for example, will each be represented twice across the starting field.
Meet the Cruiser Class
Alongside the Challenger cars, eight teams will compete in the Cruiser Class.
HUST, Lodz Solar Team, AGH Eko-Energia, Onda Solare, Solaride, Futurosolare, DTU Solar Team and Solis UTCN complete this year’s Cruiser field, representing Sweden, Poland, Italy, Estonia, Denmark and Romania.
Different cars. Different strategies. But the same demanding 24-hour race ahead.
Who will take home the trophy?
Every team arrives at Circuit Zolder after months of designing, building, testing and preparing. But once the race begins, there’s only one way to find out whose strategy will pay off.
24 hours. One circuit. An international field of solar cars.
Who will claim the trophy this year? 👀
Find out on September 19 and 20 at Circuit Zolder.
Entry is free.