UQ Solar vehicle SunShark invited to Japan

The University of Queensland's SunShark team has almost completed preparations for the World Solar Rally in Akita, Japan from August 1-3.

The vehicle is one of only three international entrants to receive an invitation and special support from organisers to compete in the event, which is expected to be watched by about 250,000 spectators.

Last year's 25-hour race, held over three days at the purpose-built Ogata-Mura course on the island of Honshu, 600km north of Tokyo, attracted a field of 69 cars and 97 bicycles.

The invitation followed SunShark's outstanding success as the first Australian entry across the finish line at last year's Darwin-to-Adelaide World Solar Car Challenge.

The team has since been modifying the three-wheeled racer to make it more competitive in Japan, including the fitting of new light carbon fibre disc wheels, and improving the canopy, electrical system, brakes and telemetry system.

SunShark has entered the Stock class, pitting it against vehicles designed by some of the world's leading automotive manufacturers. The Stock class is for vehicles built using off-the-shelf lead-acid batteries and solar cells.

For further information contact the University of Queensland solar racing team members Stephen Goodwin or Darren Bell, telephone 07 3365 3771 or 015 809 936.