It was evident from the number of cars that left the start line on day three, that the Sasol Solar Challenge was beginning to gain momentum as the cars entered the third stage of the challenge.

Yesterday, the Honorable Mayor of Upington, Dimakatso Koloi and some of the town’s councillors were at the Dirk Uys stadium to see the cars arrive in Upington.

Ten cars – Tokai University, Kenjiro Shinozuka, the three University of Johannesburg teams, North West University, University of KwaZulu Natal, EV Drive, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Tshwane University of Technology – all left the starting point in Upington enroute to their overnight stop in Springbok.

It was once again the two Japanese teams that took control of the stage but the less experienced South African teams are growing in confidence in every stage of the race. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, two of the University of Johannesburg cars, North West University all crossed the line on their own wheels.

Today, the solar powered cars make their way on a 550km trip from Springbok to Cape Town. This will be a true test of their vehicles and is also the halfway mark of the challenge. Saturday, 22 September 2012 will be a rest day for the teams and will be a perfect opportunity for teams to recuperate before they take on the final stages returning to Pretoria.

There will also be an open day on the top deck of the Canal Walk Shopping Centre where the public will be able to view the cars and interact with some of the teams.