The Australian National University (ANU) Solar Racing team’s fourth and most advanced solar car ‘Monty’ is in final testing stages ahead of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge - a 3,022-kilometre, cross-country endurance race.
Having designed and custom built their fastest car yet, including multi layered carbon fibre frame, and high-tech solar cells wired together to generate electricity, the student-led team is now turning its focus to on-road performance.
And by taking to the track today in a full day of testing, the team is hoping its partnership with ONE RACEWAY will be the advantage ‘Monty’ and her drivers need to perform their best and gain valuable
experience.
Team Business lead, Cameron Wallace, said the track testing is a key part of pre-race preparation.
“Testing it at high speed at ONE Raceway provides such valuable learnings and experience. Going from workshop to track marks the culmination of hard work, late nights and problem solving,’ Cameron said.
“A full day at One Raceway, will give us insight into Monty’s ability to take corners, accelerate, brake and importantly give our driver’s confidence to take on the BWSC ‘Hot Laps’ time trials in Darwin.
“We can’t wait to show Canberra and the broader region what we’ve built and get to the start line,” Cameron said.
BWSC Event Ambassador, Chris Selwood AM, said he was looking forward to seeing the ANU team in action.
“On road safety is a priority for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. It is pleasing to see teams recognising the importance of both track and on-road testing. Once in Darwin all competitors are subject to rigorous scrutineering to ensure they meet regulations and road safety requirements,” Chris said.
Head of Motorsport, One Raceway Lachlan Mansell said One Raceway was a very inclusive, community venue and supporting local, next-generation talent was an easy decision.
“Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is an internationally acclaimed event, so it’s a great opportunity for us to invite the Australian National University team to our facility and welcome some of the most innovative minds in the automotive industry,” Lachlan said.
“Our venue will provide a perfect environment for them to conduct their final test before they head to Darwin, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in the World Solar Challenge event next month.”
