The Sasol Solar Challenge is proud to announce that the 2022 event will start from Carnival City Casino in Brakpan – East of Johannesburg.

The 2022 Sasol Solar Challenge kicks off on the 9th of September. The community of Brakpan and surroundings will witness the latest solar challenge technology, and also meet the best solar car teams from South Africa, Belgium, China, Japan and The Netherlands.

From the Carnival City, the event will then travel to Sasolburg alongside a range of popular attractions and South Africa’s major infrastructures including Sharpeville memorial, South African Airways Museum, Sedibeng Heineken brewery and the East Rand proprietary mines, before reaching its destination in Cape Town.

The venue allows spectators from different communities in Johannesburg to enjoy the sights of more than a dozen world-class, cutting edge solar cars departing on an eight-day endurance challenge.

“Sustainability is an integral part of Sun International’s business strategy, and we applaud the Sasol Solar Challenge for showcasing how solar energy can be used as an alternative and sustainable source of energy in South Africa,” said Annemie Turk, Carnival City’s General Manager. 

“We are thrilled that the Sasol Solar Challenge selected Brakpan and Carnival City as its starting point this year, and we wish the drivers and all the solar car teams an enjoyable and safe drive to Cape Town.”

The Sasol Solar Challenge takes place every two years, bringing together university and high school teams, and even private engineers who have manufactured fully functioning, roadworthy cars powered only by the sun. It runs on public roads, sharing space with trucks and regular traffic, and passes through multiple small towns.

“The 2022 Sasol Solar Challenge promises to be exciting but challenging as well,” said Robert Walker, Owner and Director of the Sasol Solar Challenge. “The event has an almost brand-new route with new towns, roads and communities. It is the ideal route to put the newly developed technologies to the test – in diverse weather conditions and changing landscapes. We look forward to having the teams on the road.”

The route from Johannesburg to Cape Town includes five provinces and roughly 20 towns. New towns include Brakpan, Trompsburg, Willowmore, Kirkwood, Jeffreys Bay, Riversdale and Caledon. This year’s event is also bringing new local and international teams including those competing for the first time in South Africa and those competing for the first time in a solar challenge.

Nozipho Mbatha, Senior Manager: Group Brand and Sponsorships at Sasol said: “It’s great to see the Sasol Solar Challenge introducing new towns and teams each year, especially high school teams. This just shows the impact the event has locally and internationally.”

Spectators are welcome at all stops, and more information on the route and the teams can be found at: https://www.solarchallenge.org.za/  or on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SASolarChallenge/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasolarchallenge/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Solar_Challenge

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About Sasol Solar Challenge
The Sasol Solar Challenge is in its fourteenth year. It is a biennial competition that strives to be the ultimate test of technology and innovation. Local and international teams conceptualise, design and build solar-powered vehicles to drive across South Africa in an eight-day event while competing against each other, demonstrating and showcasing their design, manufacturing, and strategy skills. The challenge runs on public roads, sharing space with trucks and regular traffic, and passes through multiple small towns. Photos: 

About Carnival City
Sun International’s Carnival City casino and hotel, in Gauteng, is a playground destination for families and travellers alike. Located on Johannesburg’s East Rand, and with easy access for those travelling to or from OR Tambo International Airport, the complex truly lives up to its name as a fun entertainment venue for all. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from thrilling slots and table games at the casino to regular live DJ shows, concerts and events. With a great selection of delicious restaurants and popular East Rand entertainment places, Carnival City is all about serving up a feast of fun.

About Sasol
Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company based in South Africa – operating in 23 countries across the world. Sasol is also the title sponsor of the Sasol Solar Challenge since 2012. The company supports events which inspire creativity and innovation, including sporting and artistic initiatives, as well environmental and educational organisations and events.

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