The World Solar Challenge is a solar
Solar powered race car: Source: Panasonic World Solar Challenge image gallery powered-car race over 3021 km (1,877 miles) through central Australia from Darwin to Adelaide. Started in 1987 by Hans Thostrup, this race was held every three years until 1999 when it was switched to a two year event. It's an energy efficiency challenge, all about creating a balance between sustainable speed and endurance, energy management and strategic planning.
Entrants to the 2007 race chose between racing in the Adventure and Challenge classes.
Challenge class cars were restricted to 6 square meters of solar collectors (a 25% reduction), driver access and egress were required to be unaided, seating position upright, steering controlled with a steering wheel, and many new safety requirements were added. Competitors also had to adhere to the new 130 km/h speed limit across the Northern Territorial portion of the Stuart Highway. Click here see more rules.
This year the Dutch Nuon Solar Team scored their fourth successive victory with Nuna4 in the challenge class averaging 90.07 km/h under the new rules, while the Ashiya team with their car Tiga won the race in the adventure class under the old rules with an average speed of 93.53 km/h.
When you go to the Dutch Nuon Solar Team website be sure to click the "nuna 4 in action" button to see a really cool animation.
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