Inspired by a university ad, now leading the nation’s top solar car team

Ruairi Milligan first heard about applications opening for the Solar Car Team on a bus ride home from Uni. By the time he stepped off, he had already applied to join.

Now Team Manager and a second-year Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) student at Western Sydney University, Ruairi plays a key role in leading the university’s ambitious entry in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC).

“I heard about the team while I was in high-school through the uni-rebrand advertisement that focused on Jay Manly. When I decided that engineering was what I wanted to do, I decided to go to Western because of the team. In my first few weeks of uni, on the bus home, the team sent out an email to all engineering students about joining the team. I applied before I got off the bus.”

The Cranebrook resident has worked tirelessly with his team in preparation for the BWSC. Now on the road to Darwin, the team is testing their latest vehicle, UNLIMITED 6.0, for what promises to be an epic challenge.

He says one of the standout moments so far has been meeting fellow competitors at the Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin.

“All 37 teams will be at the track in their respective pit boxes. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people and see their unique solutions to the same set of regulations. I love knowing that all of these other people have been doing the exact same thing as us over the past two years.”

This year will mark Ruairi’s first BWSC, after joining the team in March 2024.

“I joined the team as a mechanical member, so when the car was in the concept phase, I designed the steering and movable fairing systems. A few months into my time on the team, I volunteered to be Safety Officer and rewrote and updated all of the team’s safety documentation and made our processes safer.”

“In January 2025, I stepped up to become the Team Manager, and since then it’s been my job to oversee the logistics, scheduling and overall progress of the project. As we are a small team, I also had the privilege of being heavily involved in the manufacturing of the car, playing a key role in the carbon layup, body-working, assembly and testing of the car.”

Ruairi says one of the things he’s most proud of is the team’s competitive spirit.

“Knowing that we are the top Australian team, wearing the Aussie flag on my shoulder is something that gives me great pride. Having dozens of teams from all over the world come here to compete, it’s an honour to be able to represent Australia on the world stage and show the rest of the world that Australia can compete in the STEM field.”

“I am also extremely proud to be able to say that I lead such an amazing team of driven and passionate individuals.”

Beyond the race, the Solar Car Team offers students invaluable connections to industry professionals and real-world experience that strengthens future career opportunities.

“Through the team, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with industry leaders in STEM from our amazing sponsors who support and mentor us, to off-shoot companies who were founded by alumni of our team.”

“These connections are the network through which I hope to progress through my future career. The BWSC has a certain level of prestige in the engineering community, so being able to compete sets us apart from our peers and makes us stand out to potential employers.”

The advertisement that first sparked Ruairi’s interest in the team remains a core memory. Studying Engineering at Western Sydney University has further fuelled his passion for innovation and cutting-edge technology.

“The cutting edge of technology is what’s always excited me about engineering and being a part of the team puts me at the forefront of that. The solar car is a platform for countless systems beyond motorsports and being able to work on and learn about all of these unique facets is what I’m most passionate about.”

ENDS

21 August 2025

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: Western Sydney Solar Team