All of our events rely on the time and dedication of volunteers. Volunteering is a great way for spectators to get involved with the sport as well as a way for current team members to give back after graduation. Some of our volunteer opportunities are listed below. If one of these areas interest you or you have other ideas on how you would like to contribute to these events, please contact us or fill out one of the listed forms.
Volunteer at an ASC or FSGP Event
Be an Observer at ASC!
Observers get the unique experience of traveling with the solar car teams! Our staff can’t be with every team, so observers write down what happens during the American Solar Challenge and provides this to the Competition Officials at checkpoints along the route. This information is critical to ensuing the event is fair and safe. They document events or actions that could result in a penalty against a team. Additionally, their experiences with each team provides inputs to the teamwork, sportsmanship, safety, and other awards given at the end of the event.
As an Observer you would ride in the chase vehicle (just behind the solar car) during the day and watch over work done on the solar car during morning/evening charging periods. Most nights, observers stay with the team to which they are currently assigned. When a team arrives at a stage stop or checkpoint the observers are rotated to a new team. As an observer you would get the opportunity to spend time with several teams during the event. Observers receive training for their role from our staff the day before the event. Teams are responsible for treating the Observer as a member of their team, providing meals, snacks, and lodging accommodations, which may include camping.
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) at ASC
An EMT(s) is needed to travel along with the roaming inspectors during the cross-country American Solar Challenge event to assist teams and staff in the event of a medical emergency. Credentials Required. Please contact the event director if you are interested in volunteering your time and skills in this way.
Corner Workers at FSGP
Corner Workers get to experience the action of the track race up close. These volunteers are assigned a spot along the track and provided radio communication with race control to report flat tires and other problems as they arise. Corner Workers use racing flags to warn other solar car drivers of the issues on the track. When there are no issues, Corner Workers are free to take pictures and enjoy the race day. Experience is not required, training is provided. If you are attending FSGP and would like to be a corner worker please visit headquarters at the event. If you are connected to a competing team, they can also help you sign up at the event.
Host the Event
Stage Stop/Checkpoint Hosts
Hosts welcome teams to their location and invite the public and media to a one-of-a-kind public relations opportunity. At a minimum, hosts of the stage/checkpoints along the American Solar Challenge provide access to parking lots and restrooms for the teams. Many hosts choose to go beyond this by having community events in conjunction with the rare opportunity to have solar cars on display at their location. Previous hosts have held energy fairs, stadium tours, people’s choice awards, team meals, and hospitality lounges with giveaways. Depending on your location and the route, we have both checkpoints and stage points. Checkpoints operate for a single day, usually for 4-6 hours. Stage points are checkpoints which include an overnight stop and a re-start the following morning. If your location would be interested in being a stop in a future event, we’d love to hear from you!
Join the Staff
Communications and Media Intern
Please download the application form for more information regarding the available communications and media roles.
Photographers/Videographers
If you have skills with a camera, video camera, and editing software, this may be the right fit for you. Photographers/Videographers provide coverage of the event during inspections, at the track, and on the road. Content is updated daily on the website and provided to media inquiries. (Portfolio required upon request.)
Officials
Commonly referred to as the staff, officials are those volunteers who help with the operations of the event, usually on a year-round basis. Activities may include reviewing vehicle design reports, performing route drives, working out event logistics, and collecting paperwork from the teams. At the events, these people perform inspections, handle timing, and serve as the coordinators for all parts of the event. The vast majority of the staff is made up of former competitors who desire to see these events continue for the next generation.