Positive test results allowed the race crew a much needed break during the 3,000 kilometer commute up to Darwin. Our first stop during the trip up the Stuart highway was Roxby Downs on the 10^th were we displayed Continuum outside the local Cultural Precinct with our Platinum sponsor BHP Billiton. This was a great chance to share our work with the Roxby community as well as take a peek at the massive BHP Billiton Olympic Dam mine immediately nearby.

Above: BHP Billiton hosted our Team in Roxby Downs for this local display

Above 2: Continuum at PR event in Roxby Downs

After completing our test run in South Australia on the afternoon of the 11^th, we parted with our race semi and drove to Yulara (immediately next to Uluru.) The race crew spent the next morning watching the sun rise, climbing the Olgas, and walking the paths surrounding Uluru.

Above: Race Crew at the base of Uluru

Our next stop was 844 kilometers North of Yulara at Devil’s Marbles where we camped the night and climbed the rocks in the morning.

Above: Continuum Race Crew at Devil's Marbles

Another 782 kilometers of driving brought us to Katherine on the afternoon of the 13^th where the race crew enjoyed swimming in the Katherine Gorge. Our last day of driving brought us to Litchfield National Park and then finally to Darwin.

Above: rivers near Katherine and Litchfield are known for occasional appearances by crocodiles

We're now situated in Garage #30 at the Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin. Uni Technology Malaysia is immediately next door in garage #29 and virtually all the remaining garages have been filled or reserved by other teams. Darwin's tropical climate is keeping temperatures above 35 degrees C with 90% humidity and little wind. Since unloading Continuum on Sunday night, we've begun test runs on the 2.9km track and results look good. We'll continue to fine-tune the vehicle's suspension, tire, and motor configurations as we approach track qualifiers this Saturday.

Above: unloading Continuum from semi at Hidden Valley

The next week will be spent tuning Continuum for the track, preparing the vehicle for scrutineering, and making final modifications before competition next week. More updates to come!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season