Western Sydney University students celebrate solar car victory with special lap at soon-to-open 24/7 airport
Western Sydney University’s Solar Car team took an exciting victory lap at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), showcasing their world-class vehicles, UNLIMITED 5.0 and UNLIMITED 6.0 on WSI’s 3.7km world-class runway.
The striking duo of crimson solar vehicles cruised along the taxiway against the backdrop of Western Sydney’s new state-of-the-art airport which will open for passenger flights in the second half of 2026.
The visit is part of an ongoing WSI and Western Sydney University collaboration. In December 2024, both organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which focuses on driving skills and innovation for communities in Western Sydney – one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.
WSI Chief Operations Officer Matt Duffy reflects of the innovative mindset and determination of the University’s students.
“Seeing the solar cars out here today, there’s lots for these young people to be proud of… it’s inspiring and it’s exciting. There really is so much coming to life here in Western Sydney – including our new airport which will open to cargo, international and domestic flights in the second half of next year,” said Mr Duffy.
The celebratory exhibition run marked the team’s achievement as Australia’s number one solar car team and sixth in the world at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, where they completed the 3,000km Darwin-to-Adelaide challenge in 37 hours and 39 minutes with UNLIMITED 6.0, a vehicle that can travel at highway speeds using only the energy equivalent of a household kettle.
Team Manager Ruairi Milligan said being able to do this victory lap at the new airport was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the team. “It was great to celebrate what we’ve achieved together as a team – designing, building, and racing solar cars that demonstrate world-class endurance and efficiency, and to do this ahead of WSI’s opening in 2026,” said Ruairi.
Designed and built by 18 Western Sydney University students from engineering, communications, business, IT, computer science, and science, with support from the School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, UNLIMITED 6.0 demonstrates world-class endurance, efficiency, and innovation.
The team competed in the Challenger Class in August, the most demanding endurance category, which requires sustained energy efficiency and high-quality single-seat car design. This year’s World Solar Challenge saw 34 international teams from 17 countries compete, putting the Western Sydney team on the global stage.
For more than a decade, the Solar Car team based at the University's Kingswood campus has taken pride in designing, building and racing world-class solar powered vehicles with a commitment to sharing their passion and innovative ideas, including with the next generation.
A growing number of alumni have gone on to establish companies that are now employing current students, strengthening the pipeline between university experience and future careers.
One of those students is Micah Honan, who is now working with Solar Car alum Jay Manley’s aerospace technology company, MP Space. She said the airport lap was a great opportunity to test the vehicles and look ahead at what’s next for the team.
“Running two vehicles on the same day was a new challenge for us and a real achievement. The last decade has seen great achievements by the team and this run showcases the technology. I look forward to seeing what the team can achieve over the next decade,” said Micah.
ENDS
17 December 2025
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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