In pictures: Solar challenge race begins in Australia

[nitpicker]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-41541243

In pictures: Solar challenge race begins in Australia

8 October 2017

From the section Australia

Solar-powered cars from more than 30 countries around the world have begun a biennial 3,000km (1,865-mile) race from Darwin to Adelaide, north to south across the centre of Australia. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the competition. Teams in the World Solar Challenge are made up of students who have built their vehicles with their own hands.

The competitors did some test runs before the start and then raced on Saturday to establish the final grid position. Belgium's Punch Powertrain team took the pole position, reaching an average speed of 83.4km/h.
(snip)

[hunter]

1. Yoiks. Some of those bubble canopies look like solar ovens.

I'm guessing the "cooling" system is to drink lots of water and hope for the best.

I think this is one of the more exciting road races.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. This is sort of off-topic, but there was a comedy movie made about the AUS solar challenge race.

A bunch of kids from an underperforming school were urged by their science teacher to enter the race.

Light on the science (get it?) and heavy on the "underdogs take on the rich kids and win" aspect.

I'll look that up.

ETA: Good old Google.

Race the Sun is a 1996 comedy-drama film directed by Charles T. Kanganis and starring Halle Berry and James Belushi. The plot is loosely based on the true story of the Konawaena High School Solar Car Team, which finished 18th in the 1990 World Solar Challenge and first place among high school entries.