Today, Solar Team Twente had its final test for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge: the Australian race simulation which simulates a race day with many race scenarios. The team members spent the night in tents, as they will during the race. The day started with a big pile of sandwiches, the last technical checks and breaking down the tents. At 8 o’clock sharp the race convoy was ready to start.
Different from regular days of testing, aimed on preparing The RED Engine, today also logistical aspects such as fuelling the convoy cars and putting up and breaking down the camp must be taken into account. Today’s goal was optimizing the last details: “It all comes really close when you’re driving in convoy, through the Australian outback, after a year of hard working, awesome!”, says driver Lot. Finally, the finish was reached with an average speed of 90 kilometres per hour.

Besides speed and efficiency, extra attention was paid to safety protocol. During the simulated service stops everybody was focussed on details such as the use of pylons and flags. During the race the team will be supported by former team members. Their extensive experiences were very useful during the evaluations.

Twelve days prior to the race, many teams are present in Darwin. It is exciting to meet other teams and their solar cars. The RED Engine’s first overtaking took place right after the first mandatory stop. “That moment was incredible”, smiles team captain Jeroen. As a result of this race simulation, the team is confident in its performance during the upcoming World Solar Challenge. “Building a competitive solar car is one thing, the team behind it makes the big difference. We are ready for it!”
Next week the technical scruteneering is on schedule, where it is examined whether The RED Engine meets the Challenger Class regulations. On the 5th of October, the World Solar Challenge starts with the qualification at Hidden Valley Raceway, a former Formula 1 race track in Darwin.

Photo’s: Joost van Baars Fotography