L2B the LONDON to BRIGHTON car run on SOLAR ENERGY

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THE "LONDON TO BRIGHTON SOLAR CAR RUN" - L2B 2008

We are very sorry to have to report that due to technical issues, it is unlikely this event could take place before 2010.

That said, we are in negotiations with the Department for Transport, Highways and the Motor Sports Association. It appears that provided vehicles entering the event meet with certain rules and regulations, this event may take place. The details (fine print) and a mechanism to ensure entrants know what they have to do to comply, together with other commercial considerations, marshalling and scrutineering, will take some time to work out.

Hence, we are placing the event on hold until these matters are dealt with, and please accept this as official L2B notice, not to proceed further with any plans to build a vehicle or otherwise make preparations for the L2B event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. It is unavoidable. Thanks to all those expressing an interest, and we hope to be able to bring you more favourable news in the coming months.

Ace - design engineer

ace@speedace.info

We are advising those interested that we are currently negotiating with the Secretary of State (Department for Transport).  We have secured support from Brighton and Hove City Council and Westminster City Council for a start at Hyde Park and finish in Preston Park, with hospitality marquees (this to be confirmed shortly). 

We can now report we also have a potential Sponsor for the event, though we may need additional partners. The main issue at the moment is permits for this event. We will need an approval in principle before the 25th January, failing which we will have little alternative but to roll-over the event to 2009. Otherwise, competing teams will not have sufficient time to secure funding, design and build their vehicles, etc. It's a big commitment from all those wanting to participate. We will of course try our very best for you in the next two weeks. if you do not hear from us with an email confirming the event is on, please stand down after25th January, with our apologies.

We have now heard from the organisers of the World Solar Challenge in Australia, that they had similar obstacles to overcome to be in a position to operate the Darwin to Adelaide run.

Be assured if for any reason it is impractical to stage the event this year, your efforts and enthusiasm need not be wasted, just put on hold.

This event and others like it around the World, give budding engineers and entrepreneurs  the chance to pit their wits against other people who are prepared to have a go, experiment and learn by doing. Ours, is a fun event, where experimentation is encouraged.

The rules of the event are designed to give everyone the same chance of enjoying the run, to include: schools, colleges, university's and private or family teams - a level playing field.

To achieve this aim, competitors should spend a prescribed amount on materials and components (no more) and only so much (fixed) area of solar panel is allowed.  You may spend as much time designing and building you solar car as you can afford. This is a Class 1 entry with prizes for build quality and conceptual design. Class 2 entries are not eligible for prizes, but will have their cars judged for quality and concept. Please see the rules page for details.

If you had not previously thought about building a solar car and wonder what it involves, take a look at the pages listed below.  Please note that some of the cars in these articles are built on significantly higher budgets than our rules allow.  You may build parts yourself to save money, but most competitors will be using cheaply available off the shelf products.

When you email us with your interest, please include your name, age and the names of anyone likely to be in your team.  Also include your address or the team's headquarters, school, college, etc.  Pictures will be required for official entry forms, not yet available. Please do not supply these yet.

A solar car

ROUTE

As with other famous historic London to Brighton runs, we hope to start in Hyde Park in London, on the north side of the River Thames. See our Route page for details.

A SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

If your company would like to participate in this event, help budding students, engineers and artists to experience the thrill of competing in a vehicle they have helped to design and build, we would like to hear from you urgently. It is not possible to stage an event like this without corporate backing. At time of writing there is no solar event in the UK. Ideally, we are seeking a consumer electronics company (telecommunications or computers) or financial institution.

Please contact our Event Manager: Katherine Hudson - just click on her name for contact information. 

LONDON INFORMATION

BRIGHTON INFORMATION

L2B RULES

SOLAR CAR RACING EVENT A - Z

A dream can make all the difference under the sun - when a bunch of high school misfits in Hawaii, introduced by their new teacher (Halle Berry), attend a science fair in which they draw up inspiration to build their own solar car and win a trip to compete in the 1990 World Solar Challenge in Australia. One of my favourites NK

The teams below are either established, or considering competing in any of the attractions above.  Please click on the hyperlinks for more information.  Remember, it's not the winning that matters, it's taking part.  Whatever car or result your team produces, simply taking part will be rewarding in terms of learning, achievement and fun.