2018 Sasol Solar Challenge will begin in September, end in Stellenbosch

Get your sun hats, parasols and high-tech solar-powered vehicles ready. The latest edition Sasol Solar Challenge endurance event will kick off in September 2018.

The competition’s leaderboard is determined by total distance covered across a seven day period by vehicles powered by the sun’s rays. The team with the most distance covered wins the title. And unlike traditional endurance racing, it’s not the first team across the finish line who receives the plaudits.

15 teams from Australia, China, Japan, the Netherlands, the US and South Africa, will take part in the challenge, including two teams who have not competed in the event before.

Dutch team Nuon will also return to defend its title. It covered more than 4700km during the previous event.

From the archives: Sasol Solar Challenge records tumble as SA teams impress

The Sasol Solar Challenge, an event that could be likened to the Dakar Rally of the solar powered-car world, has already seen records tumble on its first day. Read more…

“From humble beginnings with amateur local solar cars in 2008, the Sasol Solar Challenge is now a big international event which draws top global teams and is eagerly awaited by thousands of people in towns across SA,” notes Winstone Jordaan, director and founder of the Sasol Solar Challenge.

In 2018, the competition will begin in Pretoria on 22 September, and finish in Stellenbosch a week later.

The proposed route will pass through a number of South African towns and landmarks, including Bloemfontein, the Gariep Dam and Port Elizabeth.

Sasol Solar Challenge 2018’s route and dates

• 22 Sept: Pretoria – Sasolburg – Kroonstad
• 23 Sept: Kroonstad – Winburg – Bloemfontein
• 24 Sept: Bloemfontein – Edenburg – Gariep Dam
• 25 Sept: Gariep Dam – Middelburg – Graaff-Reinet
• 26 Sept: Graaff-Reinet – Jansenville – Port Elizabeth
• 27 Sept: Port Elizabeth – Kareedauw – Sedgefield
• 28 Sept: Sedgefield – Mossel Bay – Swellendam
• 29 Sept: Swellendam – Bredasdorp – Cape Agulhas – Stellenbosch

Feature image: supplied