Japanese uni wins solar race across Australia

A puncture was the only problem experienced by the Tokai University in 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometres) of solar-powered competition at the 2009 Global Green Challenge, as it was the first to take the 'chequered flag' just north of Adelaide - four days after departing from the start line in Darwin.

Under its previous title of 'World Solar Challenge', the epic event has been held every two years since 1987, with the Japanese victory breaking the Dutch Nuon team's unbeaten record since 2001. It isn't the first Japanese win though, as Honda competed and was victorious in 1993.

A qualifying average speed of nearly 51mph put Tokai University in fourth place on the starting grid with 31 other solar cars from 16 countries. By the end of the first day Tokai had covered 393 miles and had put 17 minutes between itself and the next competitor. This gap grew to 56 minutes on day two and a massive two hours and 23 minutes by the end of the third day of competition.

Despite suffering a flat tyre about 109 miles from the finish line, Tokai University's solar car easily finished first, while the battle for second place raged into a fifth day.

For the first time, this year's event also hosted the Eco Challenge, an efficiency challenge for modified production cars, concept and alternative fuel vehicles. The entrants included Tesla, MINI, Ford, Skoda, Hyundai and Kia amongst others.

Shane O' Donoghue