UI students prepping solar car for big race, 99 county tour across Iowa

Some students at the University of Iowa are getting ready to soak up the sun this summer.

They're building a solar car to compete in the American Solar Challenge race in July. After the race, they'll take the car on a 99 county tour across Iowa. They're not only spreading awareness on sustainability, but growing the University of Iowa's engineering program as well. Iowa State donated a solar car frame to them.

They still need help raising thousands of dollars to finish building it. They said it will be able to go up to 65 miles an hour on the highway. One student hopes solar cars will become more popular.

"It's part of our core objectives. We really want to influence the community and get them excited about sustainability. This is basically a proven concept. If we can build this, why don't we have solar cars right now, right?" said Francisco Fidalgo, a junior at the University of Iowa.

The American Solar Challenge race will start in Nebraska and end in Oregon. Students from across the world will participate. If you would like to make a donation to help the students build their solar car, visit https://goldrush.uiowa.edu/project/9123