Dutch streak to victory in Australian solar race

The Dutch team that over recent years has dominated the unofficial world championships that Australia puts on for solar-powered vehicles streaked to its fourth victory Thursday in the bi-annual World Solar Challenge. Nuon Solar was ahead in Alice Springs, the half-way point in the 3,000-kilometre dash from Darwin at the top of the continent to Adelaide in the south, and continued to build its lead until the chequered flag fell just before sunset signalled the end of racing for the day.