Green Daily

The North America Solar Challenge (NASC2008) started on Sunday, and just like in the classic film Cannonball Run, teams are rallying across the country in crazy, modified vehicles, each hoping to win fame and glory.

Well, there are some differences. For one thing, the vehicles run on solar power and the stars are students from 15 universities in the U.S.A. and Canada. Neither Burt Reynolds nor Farrah Fawcett is expected to make an appearance. Also, this race is legal.

Starting in Dallas, Texas, the teams drive 2,400 miles to Calgary, Alberta, in solar prototype cars. The cars are completely built and designed by the students, from schools like current leaders University of Michigan, Durham University (bringing up the rear) and and the finish line's own University of Calgary.

The race, which has been taking place for the past several years, hopes to promote awareness and knowledge of solar power, encourage students to excel in science, engineering and mathematics, and to give them a chance to exercise their knowledge in a real life test.

Thanks to the NASC2008, these students are the alternative energy leaders of tomorrow, which is pretty inspiring.