In 1990, nine high school students decided to take up a solar car project in the wake of the University of North Texas' decision to terminate their solar car program. This first Winston Solar Car Team spent the early months learning the basics of mechanical engineering, but it was apparent that no project would be possible without sufficient funding.

The team launched a secondary project to learn how to "fund raise," and approached Texas Instruments for help. After a preliminary presentation, the team was advised to create a more complete proposal including videos, slides, and individual team presentations. Months of follow-up work produced the first credible explanation of the team's goals including a budget, timeline, and project expectations.

The team learned a valuable lesson and went on to build its first solar car with the help and support of many good friends at Texas Instruments and The Acclivus Corporation. The team placed second in the Phoenix 500 (1993), completed the grueling 1100-mile SUNRAYCE from Dallas to Minneapolis, Minnesota (1993), experienced the New York Tour de Sol (1994), and placed third in the first high school solar car competition, the Winston Solar Challenge (1995). The team went on to represent the United States in the 1996 and 1999 Australian World Solar Challenges driving 2000 miles across the Outback, and earning the respect of the judges and the public.

In 2003, with the support of Hunt Oil Company and MeterSmart, the Winston School, and many other good friends, the team again returned to Australia. This time, the team earned the title of the first high school team to finish the prestigious Australian World Solar Challenge, and was lauded for its efforts in the October 22nd issue of the New York Times.

The team is also the First Place Winner of both the 2002 and the 2004 Dell-Winston School Solar Challenge and the Fourth Place Winner of the 2006 Dell-Winston School Solar Challenge, a multi-day race at the world famous Texas Motor Speedway. On even-numbered years, the Dell-Winston School Solar Challenge shares the fun of the world-famous Texas Motor Speedway; on odd-numbered years, the teams drive cross-country to share their projects with millions of people.

In 2007, the Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge took teams across the eastern United States for eight days of racing, starting from Dell Headquarters in Round Rock, Texas, and finishing in Newburgh, New York.

The team launched its own Solar Education Program in 1993. Inspired by events that focus on colleges and corporations, the Winston Solar Challenge now provides high school students with an equal opportunity to experience science at its very best, while at the same time providing a level playing field for competition. To accomplish this goal, the Winston Solar Car Team developed field guides, videos, and curriculum, as well as conduct periodic workshops and on-site visits.

The highlight of the Challenge Education Program is its famous high school solar car race held each summer, hosted by the Winston Solar Car Team. The first race, conducted in July, 1995, circled Dallas County bringing solar racing to hundreds of thousands of people. The 1997 and 1999 Winston Challenges offered a cross-country race between Dallas to San Antonio, and Dallas to Los Angeles, respectively. The 2001 race to Indianapolis featured the Winston Team on NBC's Today Show, CNN's News Sunday, ABC's Good Morning America and USA Today. The 2003 race to Cocoa, Florida brought high school solar racing to the world famous Florida Solar Energy center. The plans for the 2005 event call for a super race from Austin to Los Angeles.

In 2002, Dell Computers became the title sponsor of the Winston Solar Challenge. Since that time, the race has grown into a world class event featuring Dell's leading technology. More than 1200 high schools in twenty countries have taken part in some aspect of the Dell-Winston School Solar Education Program. Events on the even-numbered years are held at the Texas Motor Speedway.

The Winston Solar Team raises the money for the Winston Solar Car Team, the Winston Solar Education Program, and the Dell-Winston School Solar Challenge. Learning how to pour concrete, the team built and wired its own shop. Every trip, project, and publication developed by the team is paid for by the kids' own efforts. This develops a keen sense of responsibility and commitment in each member.

The Winston Solar Car Project is extraordinary in its emphasis on building a well-rounded individual. Students learn to plan, build budgets, develop CAD drawings, make oral presentations, and translate their plans into a real vehicle. They learn how to handle success...and maybe more importantly...failure. They learn the dedication it takes to stick with an 18-month project, and the patience to see it through.

The Winston School offers learning different students the opportunity to excel. These bright students who learn differently have demonstrated to the world that dyslexia is not a limitation but a gift when properly directed. Over 90% of Winston graduates go on to college.