Celebrating 40 Years – Don’t miss your chance to drive the future!

Applications for Entry and Volunteer Registrations are now open for the world’s largest solar challenge, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, (BWSC).

Today, BWSC Ambassador, Chris Selwood AM, encouraged teams, alumni and volunteers from around the world to join him in Australia in August 2027 to celebrate the BWSC’s 40-year legacy of driving towards a more sustainable future.

‘I encourage teams past, present and future to do all you can to make it to the start line. We’ve added extra classes to honour the past and inspire future generations. For those in a position to volunteer, it’s the chance to see Australia and be part of a life-changing adventure,’ Chris said.

‘There’s never been a more relevant time to be part of this race to do better. We’ve seen the EV market skyrocket as consumers respond to the fossil fuel crisis. With our more than ten thousand strong alumni network and many of the world’s brightest competing, we are in a unique position to be at the forefront of self-sufficient mobility.

‘Some of the most advanced technologies are tested on our rigorous 3,000-kilometre route, with industry and entrepreneurs alike, keen to prove in market practicality. 2027 Regulations encourage harnessing energy directly from the environment, developing planet friendly materials and processes, and innovating when it comes to re-usage.

‘In 2027 teams have the choice of four classes.

The elite, aerodynamic Toyota Challenger Class pushes hi-tech innovation and explores exciting ways to harness new energy. With just a driver on board, these fully self-sufficient speed machines rely on maximum solar collection, strategy, teamwork, and innovation to give them the edge over competitors.

‘The future-focused, Cruiser Class, must carry a driver and a passenger. With a judging element offering a time advantage, this class is all about real-world design innovation – these concept cars must show potential to inspire mainstream vehicle design.

‘The non-competitive 40-year Anniversary Historic Class is an opportunity to commemorate the trail-blazing sun-chasers of past BWSC events. With such a diverse field over forty years there are endless possibilities. It could be earlier champions, teams whose journey led to commercial technology that shaped the renewable energy industry or those inspired to take up the sustainability baton around the world. The degree of program integration, demonstration and display in Darwin, Adelaide and on route, will depend on individual entries.

‘The ‘Innovation Class’, is a demonstration class open to teams, alumni, individuals and organisations with concept or in market vehicles with the potential to help shape the future of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. We’re asking this class for their views on the next impossible challenge that needs to be solved on the road to sustainability and self-sufficiency. This is an opportunity to be part of the BWSC 2027 programme and join the conversation on how to source and harness freely available new energy, and less wasteful materials and how to ensure the technology makes its way to everyday people meeting their daily mobility needs. We’re asking those leading the charge to help us shine even brighter for this 40 year anniversary,’ Chris said.

For registration and full details, visit worldsolarchallenge.org.