History

Danish born adventurer Hans Thostrup created the World Solar Challenge.

Years of participating in motor sport around the world, especially car rallies saw Hans enjoying the fuel bonanza we have become accustomed to. The oil crisis of the 70's caused him to rethink and he was inspired to find out how far, rather than how fast you could go on a litre of petrol. This led to award winning economy runs in cars and the establishment of the world's first economy run for trucks, proving that driving style can be responsible for 30% of the fuel used in the transport of goods.

Another idea, sponsored by BP, was the crossing of Australia on just solar power.

Larry Perkins helped Hans to drive the world's first solar car, which he called the "Quiet Achiever", 4052 kilometres from Sydney to Perth in 20 days. This, the ultimate energy saving crossing, was ten days faster than that by the first petrol engine car.

Hans was determined to build on these developments and continue to drive on the strength of sunshine. He felt that a race was the answer and thus the energy event, the World Solar Challenge, was born.

The first World Solar Challenge was staged in 1987, with a field of 23 fantastic cars led by the GM Sunraycer which completed the trip with an average speed of 67km/h.

The event was again staged in 1990 (Biel) 1993 (Honda) and 1996 (Honda)

Following the 1996 event, Tholstrup sold the World Solar Challenge to the South Australian Government. The event is now managed on behalf of the South Australian Government by Events South Australia, the major events division of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

2001 saw the introduction of the "Demonstration Class" which was designed to showcase vehicles exhibiting practical technology that has evolved from the World Solar Challenge.

This year, the World Solar Challenge celebrates its 20th anniversary, with teams both new teams, and those who have been a part of previous events all preparing to share the adventure.