The World Solar Challenge is a demanding 1,800 mile four-day biennial race across the Australian Outback. The race starts in Darwin in the Northern Territory and travels the Stuart Highway to Port Augusta and then via Highway 1 to the finish in the City of Adelaide in South Australia. The journey can be dangerous given the Outback's extreme temperature swings and lack of communication, infrastructure, lighting and water.

Powered solely by the sun, umsolar's single-seat race vehicle uses the same amount of energy that it takes to power a hair-dryer. The Generation Solar Car is anticipated to reach a maximum speed of over 105 mph. Building the solar car is a two year project that takes over 100 student team members and more than $1 million dollars.

FoxFury has supplied umsolar with area lights and personal lights for the race. These LED headlamps, flashlights and area lights will be used to perform nightly vehicle maintenance to their Generation Solar Car and to keep team members safe. 

"We expect FoxFury's lights to save us time in our evening operations in the outback, including vehicle maintenance in the pitch black of night. Nomad flood lights will be used to light our tents for vehicle maintenance. Command headlamps will allow team members to work anywhere with plenty of light," said Eric Hausman, Race Manager for umsolar.

umsolar will be competing against 40 teams. All teams are required to be self-sufficient and must set up camp at night in order to inspect and maintain their vehicles. FoxFury's lights will help increase umsolar's efficiency and enable them to quickly and safely set up camp in the dark. 

"We hope our lights are one of the many tools that help lead umsolar to victory. We're happy to contribute lights that keep the team staff safe and allow them to perform needed maintenance to their incredible Generation vehicle," said Antonio Cugini, Director of Marketing for FoxFury.

If umsolar wins this race, they will be the first American Student Team to win the World Solar Challenge. Be sure to visit the umsolar website for updates before and during the race.