Tokai Challenger

A Japanese sun-powered car won the World Solar Challenge on Wednesday after averaging speeds of more than 100 kilometres (62 miles) per hour in a four-day race through Australia's desert Outback.

Organisers said the Tokai Challenger crossed the finish line in Adelaide, South Australia, at 3:39 pm local time, after 29 hours and 49 minutes' racing following Sunday's departure from the northern city of Darwin.

The futuristic Tokai put in a near-flawless run with only one flat tyre on the 3,000 kilometre race. Its nearest rivals were more than two hours behind and were due to battle it out for second place on Thursday.

The team, from Tokai University, averaged 100.54 kilometres per hour to snap a four-race winning streak by the Netherlands' Nuon outfit. It is the first Japanese victory since Honda Dream II in 1993.

The Infinium, from the University of Michigan, is in third place in Australia.

The World Solar Challenge, aimed at promoting environmentally friendly solar technology, started in 1987 and runs every two years.

More information: globalgreenchallenge.com.au/

(c) 2009 AFP

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