In this article, the author describes his experience conducting an inquiry investigation in his classroom in which high school physics students design, create, and race a solar-powered vehicle. Students learn invaluable science, technology, mathematics, communication, and critical thinking skills. Fueled by their knowledge, creativity, and the Sun, students race their solar-powered creation in a national competition--a culminating event that celebrates a year of hard work, planning, and learning. During the 2000-2001 school year, for example, students designed a high-performance vehicle and raced it 531 km in a national competition from Topeka, Kansas, to Jefferson City, Missouri. Throughout the school year, students learn through inquiry, realize that science is not as clear and simple as textbooks often portray, exceed the national standards by applying skills and content to an authentic application, and are motivated in ways that encourage lifelong learning and critical thinking skills. (Contains 1 figure.)