Nine of the 13 participating secondary schools across North East Victoria and southern NSW launched their cars near MAMA ahead of the grand race in Wodonga on October 28.

Co-organiser North East Local Learning and Employment Network Structured Workplace Learning co-ordinator Angela Pesavento said the launch was the culmination of five months’ work for the students.

“Each team has designed and built their own solar car with the expert assistance of local industry mentors,” she said.

The Wilson Transformer Solar Car Challenge, which began in 2003, aimed to build student awareness about the Border manufacturing industry.

Mount Carmel Christian School maths/science teacher David Hawthorn said there were many benefits for students.

“There is a lot of problem solving involved,” he said. 

The grand race on October 28 at Transformer Park, Wodonga, starts 11am.