PHL’s Sikat II-A solar car in pole position at World Solar Challenge

The Philippines’ Sikat II-A will start the 2013 World Solar Challenge in pole position—a coveted spot given to the fastest qualifier before the race.

Sikat II placed first in the Adventure class during the pre-race qualifying round held at Hidden Valley Raceway, Saturday, clocking in at 2:30.53.

The Philippines beat its closest competitor by less than three seconds: Team Aurora of Australia which timed in at 2:32.95.

This achievement earned Sikat II the pole position in the biennial meet, making it first in the line up.

Five other solar cars are participating in the Adventure class.

The race begins on Sunday, October 6 in Darwin and will end in Adelaide on October 11, covering 3,021 kilometers of the Australian Outback.

“I’m estatic that we reached the coveted pole position. The whole team has prepared hard for the past few days so I’m very happy,” says Carl Mamawal, Sikat II main driver.

This is the best performance of the Philippines in the qualifying round since it joined the WSC in 2007. Sinag placed 12th that year, while Sikat ranked 19th in 2011.

A core group of 20 mechanical and electrical engineering students and six faculty members from De La Salle University modified and improved on the 2011 Sikat II car. —TJD, GMA News