Solar car racing comes to South Africa
Source: South Africa Good News /Sept. 9. 2007
http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/search/sport/544040.htm
The Advanced Energy Foundation (AEF) has launched what is to be South Africa’s very first solar car race. The South African Solar Challenge is set to take place in September 2008. Contestants will have two weeks to drive through 4150 km’s of our country’s diverse terrain, powered by nothing but the sun. The AEF has launched this scientific sporting challenge as part of its objective to promote innovation, science and technology in South Africa. “We want to raise awareness around energy and transportation technologies”, says Winstone Jordaan, 2008 Chairman of the South African Solar Challenge.
Teams will be expected to design and build a solar car capable of competing at a speed of up to 120km/h and tough enough to last the race. Though scenic at times, Jordaan warns that the South African terrain will present some testing predicaments in what he terms a “strategic and intellectual challenge.” Jordaan says he would like to see as many South African teams entering the competition, where travel expenses have prevented South African teams from competing in international challenges in the past. “The challenge will take place here every two years thus providing more opportunities for local racing”, he says.
The event is being supported by the Department of Science and Technology and is endorsed by the international motor racing authority, FIA. Teams from as far Japan, Australia and current world champions, Netherlands will be participating in this world class event. The AEF believes this event will put both South Africa and the South African competitors on to the world stage of Solar Racing and solar technological developments.
To find out more about the South African Solar Challenge and how you can participate, visit their website
http://www.solarchallenge.org.za/