The inaugural Darwin SunChase Solar Mini Kit Car Challenge was held on Thursday 18 October 2007 at the Darwin Show Grounds. It proved to be a fun but challenging day as the cloud teased the competitors, onlookers and supporters. Never daunted, the crowd patiently waited for the sun to shine and they weren't disappointed.

300 Darwin primary school students and their teachers came along to enjoy the fun. Chris Natt (MLA), Rob Presswell (Director of Schools North DEET), Trevor Horman (Power & Water Manager, Sustainable Energy & SunChase Major Sponsors) were on hand to help proceedings and encourage the students.

Alawa Primary school students Jarrod and Noah Prescott were the winning team for the day. Second place went to Larrakeyah Primary and third place to Parap primary school. The poster competition was a resounding success in all three places to Palmerston primary school Sacred Heart.

Special recognition must go to the generous volunteers from Power & Water Corporation, Macmahons, Department of Education, Employment and Training and the teams of teachers and assistants. Corralling 300 students is no mean feat.

SunChase was fortunate enough to share resources with the Panasonic World Solar Car Challenge (WSC) enthusiasts on scrutineering day. Chris Selwood (WSC Event Director) was on had to kindly provide practical assistance and valuable advice.

We look forward to next year, more fun and HOPEFULLY, more sun!  :-)

Alice Springs is known as the largest supporter of PV systems here in Australia. So it stands to reason the best place to begin educating about solar energy is with the children of Alice Springs as the future is our youth.

To learn more about solar energy, over 120 school students, teachers and volunteers gathered at Centralian Senior Secondary College on Wednesday 19 September 2007 to compete in the solar model car, boat and kit car races. Proud sponsors and avid supporters, Power and Water Corporation and Desert Knowledge were there to encourage the success of the day.

In conjunction with the year of "Women in Engineering" girl teams were once again encouraged to join in the races against their fellow boy teams with runners-up in each category. The competition was friendly and the pace was on. No one was left out of the race as everyone had their "moment in the sun."

Araluen Christian College parent Sharon Walker said she was thrilled with the day and how the children had fun while learning at the same time. "They are able to visualise the result easily," she said, "and I'm looking forward to the girls entering again next year."

Winners for each category were: Model Solar Boats - Aidan Campbell of Living Waters Primary School, Model Solar Kit Cars - Malcolm Ross from Alice Springs High School and Model Solar Cars - Darcy Page from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (OLSH) - Sadadeen Campus.

Aiden Campbell (8) has been chasing the sun and SunChase events for 3 years. When he commenced in 2005 at the tender age of 5, Aiden was competing against students 3 times his age in his first year, and won his category with confidence.

Sunchase Committee Chair, Steve Sawyer recognises the valuable effort of the committee and the volunteers for the day and is grateful to: Julie Permezel, Jason Dunn, Gavin Campbell, Darcy Page, David Johnston, Paul Coull, Ema Chessell, Rob Cormack, Dennis Johnston, Correctional Services and MC Bronwyn Russell for their help on the day.

Engineers Australia - Northern Division Director, Bronwyn Russell said how valuable the sponsorship of Power and Water Corporation and Desert Knowledge Australia was to support this opportunity for young students. "SunChase has been held in Alice Springs for a five years now and each year the quality of the cars improves. We hope that many of these young people will continue with their interest in science and maths and provide the Northern Territory with engineers in the future."

The Correctional Services Community Service Crew, ANZAC High School and Centralian Senior Secondary College were also on hand to offer their support on the day.