Sunshark races to the lead in the 1999 Solar Challenge then loses ground to be third
The University of Queensland's Solar Racing vehicle 'Sunshark' took the lead in the 1999 World Solar Challenge at about 2.35 AET this afternoon but soon after had lost it again.
Sunshark team publicist Elana Maher said the 'Sunshark' driven by Wayne Jenkins went past the Queen's University entrant 'Radiance' about 100 kilometres north of Coober Pedy.
"We were averaging 85 kilometres an hour under sunny conditions," she said.
But the joy was to be short lived. After leading the race for about 40 minutes, problems with the vehicle's batteries forced the team to slow to 50 kph allowing the "Aurora" and 'Radiance" teams to go past again.
'Sunshark' ended the day in third place about 30 kilometres behind new leader 'Aurora' and second placed 'Radiance'.
The mixed fortunes of the day saw 'Sunshark' start and end the day in third place but there was plenty of excitment in between.
Project Manager Darren Bell's comments to journalists at the daily media stop earlier in the day were prophetic.
"Our formula for winning this event is just to stay on the road as long we can, a car that doesn't break down is a car that will get across the line first in Adelaide."
The crew believe they will be able to get back to top speed for the run into Adelaide on Day Five of the race by improving their management of the batteries.
Earlier in the day 'Sunshark' had cruised past the Melbourne entry 'Aurora' and then set out after the Queen's University vehicle 'Radiance'. In just five hours it was able to make up more than 30 minutes on the Canadian vehicle and take the lead.
For further information contact Elana Maher on satellite telephone 0145/199 360
or Ron Drynan in Brisbane on 0412/261 529
Web posted: 2030 Wednesday 20 October 1999
