The World Solar Challenge across Australia first started up way back in 1987. Since then it's been the biggest Solar Car Race in the world. Qualification for the race usually starts at Hidden Valley Race Track, and qualification is done by a teams single fastest lap around the track.
From there teams drive out of Darwin and head south towards Adelaide via the Stuart highway (see race route below). The first day of the race is on October 16, 2011.
Fortunately for us navigation shouldn't be an issue when compared to the American Solar Challenge (ASC) as there is only one road to get from point A to point B. With the American Solar Challenge navigation was a key part of the race because if your team happened to leave the race route your team must re-enter the race route where you had gone off track (ie not possible to take short cuts). This could easily cost a team the race if they got lost.
Aside from the World Solar Challenge in October 2011 we will also be doing the Schulich Axiom Alberta Tour (SAAT) where we travel around Alberta to test the car and make stops at schools to educate communities around Alberta about sustainable energy. This should be taking place for about a week in May 2011.
See Ya
Tim Gamber
Electrical Engineering Manager