Release Date: 23 October 2006
The quest to win the 2006 Western Power Solar Model Car Challenge began this week for 200 students who have designed and built 39 cars for the 15th annual challenge.
Races are being held in Forrest Place on Thursday and Friday, 26 and 27 October, starting at 9.30am. The grand final will be raced at approximately 12.30 pm on Friday.
The first four placegetters will be invited to compete in the Australian-International titles, which will be held this year at the University of New South Wales on the 1st and 2nd of December.
At this week’s challenge students from 21 schools will race their cars over a 100-metre track in the shape of a figure-of-eight.
An added challenge is that cars must carry a raw egg “driver”.
On Thursday the students will compete in elimination heats from which the fastest 32 cars will qualify for the final on Friday.
In good conditions, the model cars achieve speeds of up to 20kmh, a speed which tests the cornering capability of the vehicle.
Belridge SHS, won the Challenge in 2005 for the second year running and is determined to retain the title this year. Hottest competition is expected to come from old rivals Christ Church Grammar School, Aquinas and Morley SHS.
Wyalkatchem District High School is the only regional school entering this year.
The objective is to introduce students to practical applications of solar energy.
Since the challenge began in 1992, more than 3250 secondary school students have participated in the event, with 680 solar-powered model cars.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 24 October 2006
