Hundreds of middle school students from across the Northeast will converge on the Springfield Museums' Quadrangle on June 8 to compete in the 11th annual Northeast Regional Junior Solar Sprint model solar car competition organized by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). Racing begins at 10 a.m. and the public is invited.

The Junior Solar Sprint challenges students to build a miniature solar car given only a standard solar panel and motor. The chassis, wheels and transmissions are made from any other materials. Last year's regional competition saw such creative vehicles as a patriotic bird, a campsite, and a sneaker on wheels. In addition to Grand Champion, teams compete for awards in innovation, craftsmanship, technical merit, and speed. Other awards include Kids' Choice, best reuse of materials and artistic merit. Every year, NESEA invites top winners from local Sprint races across the Northeast to compete at the regional championship. This year, participants from 20 area races will compete. The event will also include renewable energy exhibits and food concessions. Please visit www.nesea.org/education/jss to learn more about the project.