Hybrid Racer XL
Description
Hybrid Racer XL provides a hands-on opportunity for students to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts, along with leadership and 21st century skills such as creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as they design, construct, and race a dual-powered (solar and battery) car.
2026-27 Design Requirement
Must hold or pull/drag one 5-ounce fishing weight, provided on-site. Design must include a hitch to attach weight at rear of car. Provided fishing weights: https://a.co/d/05yQLCZx
A model solar track on top of carpet will be the floor surface at the 2027 State TSA Conference.
Lynnwood HS, Team 1, 2026 1st Place
Event Deadlines
January 21, 2027
Students will need their Participant ID number, and password, from their advisor. Only the team captain will be able to upload the file.
Students submit a video of a working solar sprint car traveling the full 20 meters. Members also submit the Project Log (pdf) from their portfolio.
April 2027
Students will submit portfolio, sign up for a time trial slot, and set up display and car for judging.
TIME TRIALS
All cars MUST be able to connect to the guide wire without disconnecting the wire! Otherwise they do not run!
All cars MUST have handmade connection devices.
All cars MUST be able to carry payload.
All cars will run twice for time, as long as they can connect to the wire correctly. Both times will be recorded.
Students must come to the start line when their team is called. If they do not, they will be disqualified.
Teams may have one 5 minute "repair time" if necessary between runs.
All cars who have a verified time will move to the semifinal round immediately following prelims
SEMIFINAL ROUND
Semifinal teams will race in a single elimination bracket. All times will be recorded
Fastest time will be used for judging
Teams will be interviewed after elimination
Washington TSA Rules
To compete, students must:
Belong to a currently affiliated TSA chapter
Be registered (by their TSA advisor) for competition by December 18, 2026 ($35)
Compete in the January 21, 2027 virtual competition (see individual event pages for details)
Be selected as a top competitor in their event(s) and invited to participate at State
Number of competitors is dependent on specific event
Qualifying competitor lists will be published by February 7, 2027
State Conference registration week February 22-26, 2027 (see state conference page for details)
At the state level, 3 teams of 2-4 per chapter may compete.
