FRANCAIS

July 23, 2004

Manitoba will host part of the 2005 North American Solar Challenge (NASC) next July as a Canadian portion is added for the first time in the 17-year history of the event, Transportation Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.

"This race is a litmus test for technological advances in sustainable transportation and we are very proud that Red River College will be taking part," said Lemieux, who spoke at a NASC event today at the Legislative Building, where competitors were pit-stopped during a test run. "The college will be showcasing Manitoba’s ability to design and construct sophisticated vehicles that integrate these emerging technologies."

The event was an opportunity for the advance team for the Challenge, who were test-driving the route, to showcase the experimental vehicles competing in the event.

Manitoba, as part of the Canadian-U.S. Red River Valley Clean Cities group, is providing logistical support to the local portion of the international race. Group stakeholders include municipalities, state and provincial agencies, public and private fleets, non-profit associations, schools and universities, vehicle vendors, and fuel providers. The organization focuses on the development and promotion of new technologies, renewable energy, and alternative fuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

"The Clean Cities group is committed to promoting the use of renewable energy, alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. We are excited to be a part of the solar car race, as the event demonstrates the type of innovation needed in the transportation sector to develop new driving solutions for the future" stated Ajaleigh Williams, co-ordinator of the Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Winnipeg Chapter Inc.

"We are happy to come to Winnipeg," said Dan Eberle of the NASC. "We are very grateful for the help the province has provided in facilitating the event on provincial highways. We hope to do this again in 2007."

"The development and perfection of new technologies should be a priority for the citizens of this country, province and city. If we are committed to the very important goals of sustainability through the reduction of greenhouse gases, then, by definition, we are committed to the enduring vision of finding environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. The City of Winnipeg is proud to be included with our partners in this great initiative," stated City of Winnipeg Councillor Gord Steeves.

For the first time, student and faculty members from Red River College are designing and constructing a solar-powered car to test their skills in the annual event.

"This is an opportunity to engage our students and faculty in an exciting project that challenges many different aspects of our transportation and manufacturing program," said Dave Thorlakson of Red River College. "We are coming into this with the knowledge and trust we have all the tools and skills required to produce a competitive vehicle."

Entrants in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge will start in Houston, Texas, on July 17, 2005, arrive in Winnipeg by July 24 and travel along the Trans-Canada Highway to finish in Calgary on July 27. More than 30 solar powered vehicles, including a car from Red River College, will compete in the 4,000-km event.

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