Pretoria - The atmosphere at the start of this year's Sasol Solar Challenge was electric as the public and media gathered to see 11 futuristic solar vehicles off in Pretoria on Saturday morning.
An eagle mascot representing the Maragon Olympus team and Pukki, the chicken mascot for North West University (NWU), had a friendly stand off.
The flapping of wings and scraping of feet ended in comradely hugs.
In another display of good sportsmanship, NWU explained how rival teams helped them repair their car, Sirius X25, after the wind flipped it over and damaged it during scrutineering on Thursday.
Eleven out of the 14 teams that entered the competition had qualified to participate.
The team from Japan's Tokai University Solar Team were first over the start line after qualifying for the pole position during scrutineering.
Tshwane's new mayor, Solly Msimanga, saw the vehicles off from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.
He was enthusiastic about energy efficient technologies.
“For myself and this city we have a keen interest in cleaner energy sources. We're in talks about solar buses.
“We are cognisant that we are depleting our other energy resources such as oil and coal. We need to think about our future and reversing some of the damage.”
He was rooting for the team from the Tshwane University of Technology and their car, Sun Chaser 2.
The challenge takes place over eight days between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering more than 2,000 kilometres, with some teams clocking as much as 4 000 kilometres on option loops on the routes. The aim is to cover as much distance as possible.
Teams would spend the night in Kroonstad before heading to Bloemfontein on Sunday.
@Gabi_Falanga
The Star