Numerous high schools from Tennessee head to Bristol Motor Speedway next Tuesday, May 7 for the solar powered go-kart race at The Last Great Colosseum.

The Tuesday, May 7th event will showcase students from 12 schools in the Volunteer State, including defending overall champion, Hampton High School of Hampton, Tenn. The challenge will feature a two-hour endurance race at 11 a.m. where teams will try to make as many laps as possible in the allotted time limit.

Teams have been hard at work since last fall to build their solar powered go-karts. This year, the karts will run a 24-volt, 105 amp-hour electrical system that powers an electric motor to run the karts. Students will have the opportunity to select a variety of solar panels to best keep their batteries charged.

"The solar powered go-kart race has been an event that highlights the strengths of science, technology, engineering and math in high school students across the state of Tennessee," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager at Bristol Motor Speedway. "This unique event puts an engaging twist on students maximizing their potential, both in and outside the classroom. We're looking forward to hosting once again."

"There is no better way for students to learn than with real world experience, said Jonathan Casteel, engineering teacher at Sullivan Central High School. "This year, students are focusing on iteration where students will work through the design process over and over again aiming to obtain the best results possible. It will be great to see all their hard work put to the test at Bristol Motor Speedway."

The solar go-kart challenge is open to the public.