The sun shines on SolarFlair
MBOMBELA - The recent Sasol Solar Challenge is done and dusted, and the top three places were claimed by Brunel Solar Team (4 228.2km), Agoria Solar Team (4 189.9km) and Tshwane University of Technology Solar Team (2 767.4km).
For the SolarFlair team from Mbombela, the race was an exciting first-time adventure offering a steep learning curve and rewarding them with a sixth place overall. Will they do things differently?
“Yes, we certainly will,” said team leader Klasie Botha and team director Mark Schormann.
“Our support crew needs to be way ahead of the racing team in terms of setting up overnight camp and so forth,” said Botha. “The car performed well. We had no mechanical difficulties to speak of, but we lost a motor at the top of the hill towards Parys, and that left us with not many alternatives but to put that car on a trailer. With permission from the organisers, though, we were allowed to race with one motor on the flat and downhill parts of the route. We then we put the car on the trailer for the uphills.”
Botha has already presented the team with a new design for the next race. “This time we will ensure that we have enough time to test the battery and other electronic components before the race, and we will improve our design and layout.”
The team agrees, though, that they did well for their first outing, considering their limited budget and experience. The budget of some of these teams topped out at R30m!
In fact, it seems that everyone on the SolarFlair team is even more enthusiastic now. The insight and advice gained from watching and talking to the other teams are certainly valued and will contribute to future success.
The team caught the eye of Reuters. Interviews followed and resulted in them arriving at the finish with lots of fanfare and TV coverage. A special mention at the prize-giving followed, and Botha received the Rookie Award.
SolarFlair would like to thank every team member and all their sponsors, Manganese Metal Company in particular, for their support and participation.
“If you focus and follow your dream diligently, despite the challenges, success is a given,” concluded Botha.