About IEF
Driving Innovation, Inspiring the Future
The Innovators Educational Foundation (IEF) is dedicated to hands-on learning experiences in science, engineering, and technology. Through our flagship events—the American Solar Challenge and Formula Sun Grand Prix—we challenge collegiate students to design, build, and drive solar-powered vehicles, pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency, transportation, and high-tech materials.
Our Mission
Our mission is to engage and inspire the next generation of problem solvers, fostering innovation, teamwork, and real-world engineering skills that translate into careers in renewable energy, automotive technology, and beyond. These competitions serve as a global platform for students to apply their knowledge, develop leadership, and showcase sustainable solutions.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, IEF is powered by a dedicated network of volunteers and relies on the generosity of sponsors to keep these transformative experiences accessible. While our primary focus is on collegiate teams, our public events also inspire younger audiences and encourage interest in STEM through first hand exposure to solar innovation.
Support IEF
Power the Future of Innovation
Your support helps us continue fostering hands-on education, sustainability, and cutting-edge engineering challenges. Every donation contributes to the success of student teams and the advancement of solar vehicle technology.
Thank You Sponsors and Donors
You are making a positive impact!
Partner with us through tailored benefit packages designed for visibility and impact.
Support solar innovation and student experiences with a direct contribution.
Meet Our Team
The Team Powering the Future
Our dedicated team of volunteers, engineers, educators, and industry professionals work behind the scenes to make solar car events possible. Their passion fuels the next generation of innovators.
Gail Lueck
President and Event Director
Gail is the FSGP/ASC Event Director and the Operations Director for IEF. Her solar car experience began with the UMR (now Missouri S&T) Solar Car Team. In 2003, she switched to the event staff side, performing many roles through the years – dynamics inspector, stage/checkpoint crew, route development, and more. In 2009, she was one of the co-founders of IEF and continues to lead the organization. With over 25 years of experience, her solar car journey has taken her to Australia, Canada, Abu Dhabi, and all over the US on more than 40 solar car events.
Adem Rudin
Regulations Manager
Adem began as a student competitor with the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project, leading their crew in 2009 and 2010. Since joining the event staff, he has served as a body & sizing inspector, traveled as an on-road inspector, and helped with route development, producing the route book teams follow for ASC, in addition to his current role as Regulations Manager. With a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Adem currently works on delivery drones at Wing.
Evan Stumpges
Team Coordinator & Head Timekeeper
Evan wears many hats from Team Coordinator to Head Timekeeper to Head MOV/Impound Inspector. Evan was instrumental in developing the multi-occupant vehicle (MOV) class, including the scoring formulas, energy meters, and impound in car procedures. He got his start in the solar car world in 2008 with Iowa State’s Team PriSUm and currently works for Caterpillar in Peoria, IL on electric drivetrain design. He was an early EV adopter with a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and enjoys analyzing data on this vehicle and his home solar system.
Tyler Coffey
Chief Inspector
Tyler was a student competitor with the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project in 2008, and has been part of the event staff since 2011. He has served as an inspector of several of the driver stations and a previous Regulations Manager and Track Steward. Tyler works at Blue Origin (one of our wonderful sponsors!) doing ground software integration and test on the New Glenn program.
Steve McMullen
Head Electrical Inspector
Steve has witnessed first-hand the evolution of the US collegiate solar car events. He served as an inspector for the original GM Sunrayce 1990 and continues to lead the electrical inspections today. He also serves as an on-road inspector during ASC. Retired from the battery industry, Steve now leads a crew building houses for Habitat for Humanity.
Brian Call
Head Mechanical Inspector
Brian began as a student competitor with the UMR (now Missouri S&T) Solar Car Team from 1996-1999. He has been part of the event staff since Sunrayce 99 in various roles, including driver’s ops, corner worker, checkpoint crew, and dynamics inspector. Brian holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Fatigue & Fracture. He works for Caterpillar in Peoria, IL and has held a variety of roles, including Track Type Tractor Undercarriage Design, Fatigue Test, and Hydraulic Pump & Motor testing.
Our History Timeline
From pioneering solar car events to advancing experiential learning, IEF empowers students to innovate, collaborate, and help shape the future of sustainable transportation. Explore key milestones that have defined our journey.
Latest Updates
Stay updated with the latest from IEF, including event announcements, industry insights, and team highlights. Check out our most recent stories and updates.
- IEF News
The Design Review Form for Electrek ASC 2026 is now available. It is due as a part of the track […]
… - IEF News
Revision B of the ASC 2026 regulations have now been published. Please review the change log at the end of […]
… - IEF News
Registration for the Electrek American Solar Challenge 2026 is now open. See the registration page for full details. Some registration […]
…Latest Updates & Announcements
Stay up to date with the latest news from IEF, including event updates, competition highlights, and industry insights.
Formula Sun Grand Prix Registration Now Open
Volunteer Spotlight: Behind the Scenes at ASC
More Updates & Archive
Industry & Partner News
Stay informed with the latest updates from the broader solar car community. Explore insights from industry leaders, academic institutions, and partner organizations working to advance solar-powered transportation.
Explore Key Event Hubs
Access all major event pages in one place. Whether you’re following live updates, checking regulations, or looking for results, find everything you need for ASC and FSGP here.
