Aurora to Defend its Title in the 2001 World Solar Challenge

The Aurora Vehicle Association, Australia's champion solar car development group is the first official entry for the 2001 World Solar Challenge which will start in Darwin on 18 November 2001 and finish a gruelling 3010 kilometres across the Australian continent in Adelaide.

Aurora 101 won the last 'world championship' by taking first place in the 1999 World Solar Challenge against an international field of 40 entrants from 10 countries. The second place car was from Queens University in Canada which finished a mere 26 minutes behind.

Aurora will be competing in its sixth event having entered every World Solar Challenge event since 1987. Aurora has pioneered many technical innovations in the development of solar cars including the design, with CSIRO, of a highly efficient wheel-motor which is the envy of most teams. Aurora has also developed a highly aerodynamic low resistance shape which has now been adopted by most of the top international teams.

For 2001 Aurora will be introducing new technology, working mainly with Australian innovators and the CSIRO which is Australia's leading scientific organisation.

'We expect a number of new cars from the USA and Canada which are under development for the new American Solar Challenge event in July' said David Fewchuk, Aurora's team leader. 'These new cars will feature the latest in solar cell technology and battery systems and we could see the sort of competitive intensity that has been generated in the America's Cup for yachting.'

'If the weather is favorable we could expect to see Honda's event record from 1996 go by the board', said Fewchuk ' but we do expect some broken conditions because of the later start date in the 2001 event'.

The Aurora team confirmed its intention to be an entrant for 2001 when it held its commitment meeting on 13 February. This group of over 40 volunteers handed their entry fee to World Solar Challenge organiser Chris Selwood on 15 February 2001.

Graphics: (click for larger versions)

1. Aurora team decide to enter the 2001 WSC.

2. David Fewchuk hands the entry cheque to Chris Selwood. Sorin Ionascu team secretary, Peter Pudney team strategist and Tony Vriens lead driver join in.

For further information call the Aurora office on (+613) 8608 2889.