Belgian Solar Team achieves daily record and recaptures leadership position in Sasol Solar Challenge
Sunday 15 September 2024 - The Innoptus Solar Team returned to the lead of the standings in the Sasol Solar Challenge today. The KU Leuven students started this morning in third place after suffering some technical problems yesterday. They covered 672.9 kilometres today, setting a daily record. It is the first time in the history of the challenge that a team can cover so many kilometres in one day.
Day record
The Belgians started in third place this morning after technical problems yesterday forced them to deviate from their predetermined strategy. As a result, they covered fewer kilometres than hoped.
During the competition, kilometres can be extended by driving loops. The team made the strategic choice today to drive 7.5 loops, surprising the leaders in the standings who only drove 7 loops. This puts them in the lead with a 15km advantage. During the day, the Belgians were able to gradually gain kilometres on their rivals through faster procedures and smart strategic choices. Thanks to the strategy followed, the students were able to cover 672.9 kilometres today. Never before has a team managed to cover so many kilometres in one day of competition.
Marathon stage
Last night was the ‘marathon stage’. This means that only three team members were allowed to work on the solar car for a limited time. The engineering students took advantage of this time to ensure that the problems that occurred yesterday did not recur. It was an extra challenge for the team, but today's results show that the engineering students passed it with flying colours.
Dream Day
For the team members, it was an absolute dream day. The technical problems they faced yesterday were completely solved. The Belgians surprised their competitors and were able to take back the lead of the standings. The students are extremely happy with the result and are looking forward to the coming days. The team hopes to hold on to first place for the next five days and cross the finish line in Cape Town as winners.
Sasol Solar Challenge
The Sasol Solar Challenge takes place from 13 to 20 September in South Africa and is considered the most extreme solar car competition. It is the second time for the Belgian Solar Team to participate in this unique challenge. Student teams from all over the world will be challenged here to cover as much distance as possible on solar energy in eight days. The students hope to cover more than 4,000 km during the eight-day competition. The challenging course across South Africa provides team members with a strategic challenge. The Belgians will start there as reigning world champions.
