Racer Longin challenges Kipkoech in solar car

Motorsports ace Longin has a special challenge in store for runner Nicholas Kiplangat Kipkoech. He will take on the Kenyan on Friday at the AG Insurance Memorial Van Damme in a solar powered car in a 600-metre race.

“I will be happy for the team to get to the finish”, sportscar racer Longin explains. “For almost two years 21 students have been developing the car, driven by solar energy. Last year we competed in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia, a race over three kilometres. That was a unique experience.

“We they asked me to drive the car at the Memorial, it was a no-brainer. Driving on an athletics track is very different and there’s no margin for error. Our car is not that quick out of the blocks, so Kipkoech will definitely take the lead. But once we are up to speed, we can reach 100 km/h …"

The start for this unique 600 metre race will be held on Friday night at 19:15. Kipkoech’s personal best on that distance is a 1:15.87.