INDYCAR: Stefan Wilson aims to make Indy debut focal point for Think Solar campaign

Indy Lights veteran Stefan Wilson aims to realize his dream of following in his late brother Justin's path to the Indy 500 by merging the worlds of motorsports and solar energy through his Think Solar campaign, with the goal of introducing motorsports and local communities to the practical ways solar energy can reduce costs and help power the future.

Although he doesn't have a deal in place yet, the 26-year-old Briton aims to align with a team that will also enable him to give the Think Solar campaign massive exposure by racing in the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016.

"Justin and I shared a special bond through our passion for motorsports our entire lives," Wilson said. "He always was the biggest supporter of my goal of joining him in the starting lineup for the 500, and I'm committed to honoring his memory by fulfilling that dream while promoting the practical benefits of solar energy at the Speedway and in our communities, another idea he supported."

Wilson hopes to coordinate a drive at Indy with a major push for solar power's utility at the racetrack.He hopes to connecting race teams, track and sanctioning body officials with companies that can build solar panels for many practical motorsports power needs, such as charging stations, lights and as many other electronic assets as possible. The use of panels will help cut emissions, lower the use of fossil fuels and trim non-renewable energy use in a sport that historically has done the opposite.

"The solar industry has made great strides in the U.S.," Wilson said. "The Think Solar campaign will place solar power in a global spotlight through the 100th Indianapolis 500 and show how small, reasonable steps can create significant savings and environmental benefits for every homeowner."

Motorsports provides an effective, exciting platform for solar energy. Racing teams always have been at the cutting edge of developing new technologies. Teams can use solar energy systems for essential equipment such as providing power for pit stands, where engineering computers are used for vital car monitoring, diagnostics and car setup changes. Solar panels also can be used to recharge team radios and to power generators used in team garages and hospitality areas. These devices currently are connected to a power grid at the racetrack, supplied by local power plants that burn fossil fuels to generate electricity.

"I see this campaign as being an exploratory test for solar in motorsports," Wilson added. "The plan is to implement solar within the race team in unique ways. While solar won't be driving the car, it will be driving the team and the applications will be critical to the operation. If successful, I hope we can influence small change and solar adoption throughout the motorsport world."

While his immediate focus is on the 100th Indianapolis 500, Wilson also hopes to bring his Think Solar campaign program to other forms of motorsports. Sports car racing already has proven to be fertile ground for "green" power, with many top manufacturers using ultra-efficient hybrid engines and alternative fuels.

Wilson also hopes to combine his racing efforts with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education initiatives to inspire students to learn about the benefits of solar and to explore careers including solar design, engineering and architecture.

"I believe the key to advancing solar is education," Wilson said. "By showcasing the benefits and advantages, we can inspire the next generation. The potential for what they may achieve with solar is limitless."