iESC 2026: Schedule

iESC 2026 — Event Schedule

LEARN ABOUT THE EVENT

From September 16 to 21, 2026, we are racing two solar cars at the iLumen European Solar Challenge, the world's only 24 hour endurance race for solar powered vehicles at Circuit Zolder, Belgium.

16 to 21 September 2026Circuit Zolder, Belgium

Sat 12:00 to Sun 12:00The 24 hour race

Covestro Adelie & Covestro ÆthonOur Cars

Wednesday

16 September

Team Only

08:00

Official campsite opening, team arrival, check in, and setup

What's happening: This is purely a setup and logistics day. Teams arrive at Circuit Zolder, unload their equipment, and set up the campsite and pit boxes. There are no activities on the track yet.

Thursday

17 September

Worth a visit

09:00

Static Scrutineering for technical, safety, brake, and documentation checks

18:00

Pit box key & transponder collection

20:00

Mandatory Welcome Evening at Otto Bar

What's happening: Official technical inspections begin. Officials check every solar car for electrical safety, brakes, and regulations. It is a great day to see the vehicles up close in the paddock while teams undergo testing.

Friday

18 September

Good to watch

08:00 to 10:00

Free Practice transponder and timing system tests

11:00

Dynamic Scrutineering official on track driving tests

20:00 to 22:00

Mandatory Night Testing for all drivers

What's happening: The cars hit the track for dynamic handling, braking, and night driving tests. It is the first real opportunity to watch the solar cars driving at speed on Circuit Zolder before race day.

Saturday

19 September

Don't miss this

09:00

Team manager & drivers' briefing

11:00

Vehicle line up in the pit lane

12:00

Start of the 24 Hours 🏁

What's happening: The main event begins! At 12:00 sharp, the 24-hour endurance race starts. Qualified cars line up in the pit lane and race non-stop through the day and night until Sunday noon. Highly recommended for spectators!

Sunday

20 September

Don't miss this

12:00

Finish of the Race, 24 hours completed

13:00

Parade, all race vehicles do a lap together

14:00

Award Ceremony on the Main Podium

What's happening: The race concludes at 12:00 noon after 24 full hours on track. Afterwards, all teams join a celebratory parade lap around the circuit, followed by the official podium and award ceremony.

Monday

21 September

Team Only

before 12:00

Campsite cleared, all teams depart Circuit Zolder

What's happening: Teardown and departure day. Teams pack up their cars, clean out pit boxes, and leave the circuit. No public activities take place today.