For the first time in its 10-year history, the Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC) will not take place at its incumbent location Pretoria and will instead come to the East Rand at Carnival City from February next year.
The challenge had to be rescheduled after being postponed due to the pandemic.
The SSC is a competition which pits cars which are powered only by the sun. The SSC takes place every two years, bringing together university teams and even private engineers who have manufactured fully functional, roadworthy cars.
The event will also hold its scrutineering week, where competitors and their cars are tested for safety and performance, at the Red Star Raceway for the first time.
With this new event, the SSC has now visited eight out of nine South African provinces. The spectacle will provide a great opportunity for young and old alike to witness the latest in solar racing technology, with teams from Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey and Saudi Arabia joining six confirmed South African teams.
It will also allow spectators from neighbouring areas to Carnival City to enjoy the sights of more than a dozen world-class, cutting edge solar cars departing on an eight-day endurance challenge.
ALSO READ:
The route from Johannesburg to Cape Town includes several new towns, with the 350-strong convoy passing through the Northern Cape for the first time in several years. New towns include Bothaville, Kimberley, Kirkwood and Riversdale, with the team that’s able to clock the most distance passing the finish line in Stellenbosch on February 26.
“This is Carnival City’s first time hosting this event, and we’re very excited. Living in an era of increased environmental consciousness, it is inspiring to see innovators create sustainable solutions,” said Carnival City’s marketing manager Michelle Smith.
“We’re delighted to be associated with the SSC, as resource efficiency and sustainability are emphasised in everything we do at Carnival City.”
“SSC director, Robert Walker, added: “For our 11th year, the Sasol Solar Challenge is expecting to host the biggest event to date. We have a dozen teams already confirmed, with plenty of time for more teams to join, and we’re excited to bring the best of the best international teams to South African roads.”
Spectators are welcome at all stops and should you require more information on the route, the teams and what to expect, the information can be found at www.solarchallenge.org, or on social media with the following handles: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SASolarChallenge/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/Solar_Challenge.
ALSO READ:
LISTEN: Benoni cyclists behind virtual race which raises R108 000 for SA Harvest
