THE 2009 GLOBAL GREEN CHALLENGE AND THE FUTURE
Darwin - Adelaide, 24 - 31 October 2009
Congratulations to all the teams and participants in the 2009 Global Green Challenge.
Such an event is not possible without sponsors and commercial partners and the support and commitment of the Government of South Australia, the Northern Territory Government, Internode, Adelaide City Council, Darwin City Council, the CSIRO, Cars Guide, and Citizen is both recognized and appreciated by the South Australian Motor Sport Board.
Special mention must also be made in regard to the tireless work of the event volunteers, officials from the International Solar Federation and Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, and the event management team and staff.
An event of this nature is all about participation but special recognition must also be given to the teams from Tokai University and OSU Solar Car Project, the winners in the 2009 World Solar Challenge and Adventure classes respectively.
Equally in the Eco Challenge all participants – Holden, Ford, Skoda, Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, Mini, and the Deep Green Research, Annesely College and Top Gear Magazine teams - achieved outstanding results.
The Global Green Challenge, an evolution of the acclaimed World Solar Challenge, is the world’s leading, cross continental showcase of the latest advances in solar, electric, hybrid, and alternative energy low emission vehicles.
The World Solar Challenge, the pre-eminent solar car event in the world was pioneered by the South Australian Tourism Commission and was conducted for the 10th time in 2009.
With the event now under the stewardship of the South Australian Motor Sport Board, and with an expansion of its relevance being made to include production and prototype alternative energy cars in addition to solar vehicles, its future is certainly assured.
That future includes a total commitment to the continuance of the importance of the World Solar Challenge for solar vehicles as a cornerstone of the event.
In summary the event is of enormous significance in relation to the application of cutting edge technology.
Advances have occurred not only in solar technology, but the event has also been responsible for huge strides in respect of electric motor efficiency, battery design, low rolling resistant tyres, vehicle aerodynamics, and control systems that are now providing some of the answers for a world that has to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels as a matter of urgency.
Of equal importance has been the ability of the World Solar Challenge to focus so many of the brightest young minds from learning institutions around the world in an adventure across the Australian continent that has benefits for us all. That has to, and will continue.
By now involving production and prototype eco vehicles in the event, the car buying public is also able to see the latest advances in fuel efficient, low emission practical cars of the present and the future.
The next event will be held in 2011 and will again be a remarkable adventure for the participants, whether they are competing in solar or eco vehicles, as they travel 3,000 kilometres from Darwin to Adelaide.
The South Australian Motor Sport Board welcomes both input and participation leading up to the next great event.
THIS WEBSITE WILL CURRENTLY RETAIN ALL THE INFORMATION AND IMAGES POSTED DURING THE 2009 GLOBAL GREEN CHALLENGE CONDUCTED FROM OCTOBER 24-31.
PLANNING FOR THE 2011 EVENT IS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY AND INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS EVENT WILL BE POSTED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.
GENERAL EVENT ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE EVENT DIRECTOR:
Mr. Chris Selwood
Email cselwood@clipsal500.com.au
MEDIA SPECIFIC ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE MEDIA MANAGER
Mike Drewer
Email m.drewer@bigpond.com
