SASOLBURG – High energy rippled through Boiketlong Hall yesterday as the Sasol Solar Challenge officially kicked off.

Crowds, teams, and dignitaries lined the starting track to watch the solar-powered vehicles take to the road.

Tshwane University of Technology’s Sunchaser 4 led the Challenger class off the line, followed closely by Genuine JV’s Voltwagen. 

The Cruiser and Innovation classes took off shortly after, with CUT’s Seilatsatsi and EVNXT pacing their respective divisions.

Navigating out of Sasolburg, teams tackled the tricky turns of Magaliesburg on their way to the day’s first control stop at Rustenburg High School.

 There, amidst a lively STEM activation engaging over 500 students, drivers had their first shot at racking up additional distance loops before pushing toward the Day 1 finish line at Swartruggens Dam.

The Tshwane University of Technology team swept the day, covering an impressive 275.2 km in Sunchaser 4.

The official nationwide journey runs from September 10 to 17.

The challenge concludes in Franschhoek on September 17, followed by a public vehicle exhibition on the 18th.

Photos of the start and the first day of racing supplied by Sasol Solar Challenge.