Final stretch: Infinite Apollo ready to start the World Solar Challenge

After months of preparation in Belgium, the Innoptus Solar Team has been active for several weeks in Darwin, Australia, where they are getting ready for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a 3,000 kilometer race across the Australian Outback, powered entirely by solar energy.

Arrival and first steps

Infinite Apollo departed for Australia at the end of June. In early July, the first team members explored the route from Adelaide to Darwin, gathered crucial data on road surfaces, elevation changes, and weather patterns, and prepared for the unique conditions of the Australian winter.

On July 14, the rest of the team headed to Darwin to set up their workspace and finalize preparations. Alongside the hard work, there was also time for team bonding and meeting other solar teams, including a friendly football match with the team from Delft.

Testing and optimization

Although the solar car had already covered more than 4,000 kilometers on Belgian soil, seeing it drive under the Australian sun for the first time was a special moment. Several test days were held on a local airstrip and at Hidden Valley Raceway, where the team fine-tuned the car’s performance down to the smallest detail. Even heavy rain couldn’t stop them, testing resumed and focus remained sharp.

A standout innovation this year is ‘The Bounce’, a system that allows the car to lower itself to reduce air resistance and save energy. On rough terrain, the car can raise itself again to prevent damage, a clever piece of engineering that received the green light during technical inspection.

Scrutineering passed

On August 18, Infinite Apollo successfully passed scrutineering, the technical inspection that determines whether the car complies with all regulations. The enlarged solar panel, 50% bigger this year due to the Australian winter, was also approved. The team is now fully ready for the next step: the qualification round on Saturday, August 23, which will determine the starting order for the race beginning on Sunday.

Final preparations

The final freeze took place during the week of August 6, after which no further changes to the car were allowed. The finishing touch? A layer of sharkskin foil, inspired by shark skin, which further optimizes aerodynamics and ensures smooth airflow over the bodywork.

The team has already completed an impressive journey, from route exploration and technical testing to building a strong group spirit in distant Darwin. Now the moment of truth arrives: Saturday qualification. Sunday race start. Thursday they hope to cross the finish line in Adelaide.

We wish the Innoptus Solar Team the best of luck and a safe race!