Young engineers from Carlisle took part in an international motor racing final at the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit.
The team, from Austin Friars, qualified to compete in the Formula 24 international final after an impressive podium finish with their electric car in Darlington earlier this year.
Members of the after-school Engineering Club have been working with head of design technology Chris Ord, design technology technician Siobhan Stockdale and STEM ambassador for Cumbria, Stuart Palmer over the past year to design, build and drive the racing car made from a lightweight fibreglass shell, with electrics and motor.
The project is part of the Greenpower racing challenge which aims to harness the excitement of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in STEM.
The team set off from Carlisle early on Saturday to travel the 324 miles down to the south coast. Once the car had passed the first hurdle of ‘scrutineering’ – when the car is inspected to ensure it meets the strict safety and build standards – it was put through its paces during practice with new drivers Hugo Murray, Austin Coulthard and Crispin Bloomer and seasoned pilot Nathaniel Mitton, who topped the average lap speed count.
In race one, Hugo got them off a flying start, choosing a great line and passing several cars in what was a very tight field. However, disaster struck as one of the wheels locked and the car was soon called into pits by crew members Dillon Nixon and Daniel Gibson. Pit crew Euan Campbell and Joe Wylie were on hand to ensure a quick fix and a change of driver gave them a fighting chance for the afternoon’s race.
Nathaniel, Hugo and F24 rookie Austin turned out to be a great combination in race two as the team climbed up the rankings to finish 33rd in the F24 class.
Team leader Stuart said: “I was so thrilled by the way the team gelled and supported each other throughout the day and it was great to see so many teams from around the world competing at such a prestigious event.
“The students can take great pride that they were allowed to race on the same track as Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart and Damon Hill – the list is endless. I personally have reached a life’s ambition, but the children here will never ever forget this experience. Thank you and well done to the Austin Flyers.”
