Strong wind forced leader Solar Team Twente out of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide and also damaged fourth placed Team Sonnenwagen Aachen e.V.
Twente’s driver battled strong cross winds on October 16 just after starting the day, a big gust causing the car to hit the roadside, fall off the slope and roll.
The driver was unharmed although taken to hospital as a precaution, but the car RED E was irreparable.
Wind troubles continued with Team Sonnenwagen Aachen e.V. also falling victim, winds forcing the team’s car off the road and causing damage. However, the team is expected to remain competitive heading into the October 17 finish in Adelaide.
With Twente out of the lead, 2017 champions Vattenfall took top spot, closely followed by Agoria Solar Team.
An incredibly tight finish between the Dutch and Belgian teams looks likely, with changing road speeds, more cars on the road, traffic and possible road works to contend with as they finish their journey.
Fellow Challengers Tokai University and University of Michigan are still charging towards the finish as well.
