Solar Car Challenge meets Be Crocwise
Preparations for the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Car Challenge this year included a visit from a member of the Parks and Wildlife Community Engagement team and a Be Crocwise presentation. Test runs for the solar cars are held along Gunn Point Road just outside of Darwin. With many of the roadside culverts in the area leading directly into creeks and rivers our very special visitors needed to Be Crocwise and understand that they were now in croc country.
The first World Solar Car Challenge was held in Australia in 1987, and the Aussie solar car challenge is now one of 14 similar events held around the world. Considered the best of these due to abundant sunshine and vast distances the Australian race is held every two years and follows the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Adelaide. Competition is always strong, but with COVID cancelling the race two years ago, teams have had plenty of time for anticipation and excitement to build, so the stakes are particularly high in 2023. More than 40 teams representing universities, schools and organisations from over 24 different countries have registered to take part in the race this year and as they prepare their vehicles for the race these innovative young engineers contribute greatly to the development of sustainable and efficient solar and battery technologies.
Racing teams can spend up to 2 years preparing for the journey to Darwin and this is often the first visit to Northern Australia for many participants. An epic road trip, sunshine-filled days, long awaited international travel with your mates and the pinnacle of electronic innovation makes for an incredible adventure for many of the young team members.
There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions after the presentation from ranger Natasha, and plenty of chances for photos with the teams and their fantastic vehicles. All were so welcoming and incredibly proud of their achievements. The enthusiasm, passion and drive of these young people is truly inspiring and it was an honour to have been able to spend a little bit of time with them.
We wish them all the best and hope they stay safe on their incredible adventures.
