Better luck for SA solar racers
2012-09-20 12:22
SUN AND ELBOW GREASE: Members of the North West University team conduct roadside repairs on their solar-powered car.
Sunshine-powered teams recorded better finishes on day two of the Sasol Solar Challenge, although the two Japanese teams continue to dominate.
Seven teams started on the second day of the solar challenge, which took teams from Vryburg in North West Province to Upington in the Northern Cape. Six others didn't manage the start.
LOCAL TEAMS FARE BETTER
The South African teams – North West University, University of Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of kwaZulu-Natal and EV Drive – also appeared to be hitting their stride after sorting out the intial hiccups from the first day of racing.
It did not take long for the two Japanese teams to further wield their dominance as the world champions Tokai University had already established a healthy lead at the halfway point.
Consistency proved key, as a highlight of the day was when teams from the universities of Johannesburg, KZN and North West arrived at the stopover before the cut-off time. By the end of day one, none of the South African teams had made it to the finishing point.
Upington is one of the more significant stops along the route as the town is said to be one that gets the most sunshine in a year. The next stage will be a 350km trek from Upington to Springbok.
