Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on solar car competitions through their dedication, innovation, and leadership. Established in 2014, this award recognizes those who have significantly contributed to the success of the American Solar Challenge—whether through team involvement, event administration, or broader support of the solar car competition community. Presented every two years at the conclusion of ASC, it celebrates those who have helped shape the future of sustainable transportation and collegiate solar competition.
Past Recipients
Meet the individuals whose efforts have inspired teams and advanced solar vehicle technology.
2024 recipient
Dan Eberle
Dan Eberle has a history that is synonymous with solar car competitions in the United States. He was involved with the earliest attempts at solar-powered cross-country endurance demonstrations, including the Trans-American Solar Auto Run of 1984, the GM Sunrayce, and the World Solar Challenge. In the years following, Dan was instrumental in the continuation of solar car events by helping to figure out routes, regulations, schedules, safety, and more with a hands-on approach. His enthusiasm was only matched by his generosity and sense of fairness, and he served as a distinguished member of the Jury for multiple solar car competitions.
2022 recipient
Jim Dunham
Jim Dunham is a long-time advisor for the Illinois State University solar car team based in Normal, Illinois.
2018 recipient
Dick Roberto
Dick Roberto began his involvement in solar raycing as a competitor with Cal State LA in 1990. An expert in vehicle dynamics and engineering mechanics as a professor of mechanical engineering, he advised and through hands-on participation led his team to a 4th, a 3rd, and finally a 1st place finish in Sunrayce while also being a top finisher in two World Solar Challenges. After competing, he served as a pillar of the American Solar Challenge staff for many years as the Head Mechanical Inspector. He retired from staff in 2018.
2016 recipient
Dr. James Hill
Dr. James C. Hill was instrumental in founding the Iowa State University Solar Car Team, PrISUm, in 1989. Through his dedication as an adviser, PrISUm became the flagship student organization at Iowa State University while attracting some of the brightest minds in the world. Without his guidance and engineering knowledge, the team would not have successfully competed in every American solar car competition from 1990 to 2016. Dr. Hill retired from advising the team in 2017.
2014 recipient
Abraham Poot
For outstanding contributions to solar car competition and devotion to the success of the Sunseeker Solar Car Project from Western Michigan University.
- Lifetime Achievement Award