It’s called a challenge for a reason! As the Sunday start line draws closer for competitors in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, some teams were still working to get their cars to Darwin! They will join the final few frantically working to get their cars through the Prohelion Static Scrutineering stage. Teams must pass all static scrutineering stations to prove they are ready to take to the track at Hidden Valley for the dynamic ‘hot laps’.

Teams of event scrutineers, BWSC alumni, scientists, and technical advisors have worked almost around the clock at the Darwin Convention Centre to ensure this diverse field, with many new teams, meet all the regulations before their electric solar cars can be declared fit for the start line.

All top guns from both classes are now through this critical phase, along with most of the field.

In the Projecta Challenger Class, Australia’s Team Arrow who were waiting on a tick for lighting, is confident it will be cleared to move to dynamic, UITM Eco Photon Solar Racing Team from Malaysia are working on mechanical issues and SOLO team from South Korea are also re-presenting. China’s CSIRO Cruiser Class entrant, Sun Shuttle is also representing and confident they will move to the next stage.

Working through delays to solar car arrivals – teams from Hong Kong, (VTC), Italy, (FuturoSolare), Romania (TUCN), Saudi Arabia, (Estidamah), India, (AgniRath), and Turkey (SAITEM) are in various stages of the scrutineering process doing their best to get to the start.

Event Director, Chris Selwood AM, said the 2023 Scrutineering needs to be rigorous, as this is not only a world event, Australia has some of the highest road safety regulations in the world.

‘Getting to the start line is complex. There’s logistics, customs, quarantine, weather – so many elements that can add to the challenge of getting to Darwin,’ Mr. Selwood said.

‘Then there’s new to market technology – some being seen for the first time in this event. Our goal is to bring to light this new tech making sure this innovation goes hand in hand with safety.

‘Teams must pass this crucial stage in the Event as compliance ensures they are able to receive a ‘conditional’ road registration for their solar vehicles to be allowed to compete. Safety is paramount and teams who don’t pass first time around have several opportunities to re-present. The BWSC team is working extremely hard to see all competitors take to the start line in State Square on Sunday 22 October,’ he said.

The focus will now turn to Hidden Valley tomorrow to see who will post the fastest time earning them the privilege of leading the BWSC 23 field out of Darwin.