Start of WSC 2009

(NECN/AuBC) - The 2009 World Solar Challenge got under way on Sunday with 31 futuristic cars leaving the northern Australian city of Darwin on their way to Adelaide.

The cars were waved off by Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson and hundreds of motoring enthusiasts and conservationists.

Australia's Aurora 101 was fastest in time trials and was the first to be sent on its way.

All the other vehicles got off to a smooth start as well, apart from French Canadian entry Esteban, which left the start gate about 30 minutes late due to technical difficulties.

The solar race is part of the Global Green Challenge which also showcases electric, hybrid, low-emission and alternative-energy vehicles.

The race stretches three thousand kilometers (1,864 miles) across the Australian outback.

Solar cars leading the race were expected to take at least three days to arrive in Adelaide, in the South Australia state.

As well as ironing out any technical difficulties that might arise along the route, teams will battle scorching temperatures, driver fatigue, dehydration , road trains and Australian wildlife.

Despite the potential setbacks, event officials said the race was becoming more competitive as technology was evolving each year.

However, just getting to Australia was challenge enough for several teams, with six cars failing to make it to the start line.

The Iranian team reportedly had their


car, Persian Gazelle, impounded in Dubai, while several Canadian and Indian teams were forced to pull out at the last minute due to a lack of funding, Australian media reported.