
UNSW’s Sunswift Racing team are determined to become back-to-back champions in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge – and this time they want to celebrate in style. In 2023, the Sunswift 7 solar-powered car dominated the Cruiser Class and outpaced rivals from around the globe, only to be scuppered by Mother Nature
Strong winds put such a toll on the batteries of all the cars competing that none were able to complete the fourth day of the full 3000km race distance from Darwin to Adelaide. Sunswift was ultimately awarded the victory due to being well ahead in the race points system, which takes into consideration the energy usage of the car, the ‘practicality’ of the vehicle, as well as the time taken to complete each stage of the race. But this year the team want to secure an undisputed triumph by taking the chequered flag in Adelaide. And such a victory will seal Sunswift 7’s legacy. “In 2023, we were the fastest car in the pre-race time trial, we were ahead on the road, we were ahead on points, and we travelled further than any other team. But along with everyone else, we didn’t finish the event, so there is a bit of unfinished business and hopefully there will be redemption this year.In 2025, our sights are set firmly on reaching that finish line under our own steam, the way this challenge is meant to be won.” Sunswift team principal, Professor of Practice Richard Hopkins commented “Last time, we proved we’re the best in the world by the numbers. But for this amazing group of undergraduate students, nothing will feel as sweet as driving Sunswift 7 right into Adelaide’s heart as winners again, with the whole team waiting under the finishing banner.”
