As I watch the lead-up to the American Solar Challenge next July, above are the entries that previously raced in the World Solar Challenge in Australia last year. Left to right from the top, they are Michigan (came 2nd), Iowa State University / PrISUm (raced in the Cruiser class), Western Sydney (came 6th), Illini (participated in the Adventure class), Principia (raced, but trailered after 2390 km), and Minnesota (raced in the Cruiser class).
Several different approaches are visible here to building a car for both races. It’s easier to do so in the Cruiser class, for a start. Illini chose to build their car for the ASC and race it non-competitively in Australia. Principia built their car for both events (unveiling it at FSGP 2017). Michigan and Western Sydney built their cars specifically for the WSC, and may have to adapt the cars for the American race (last ASC, Michigan had to modify their car, and then incurred a daily 6-minute race penalty because the modifications made the car too wide).
My ASC race information page will be updated from time to time with information on the progress of these and all the other teams.
Scientific Gems 