A TEAM of young racing drivers and engineers are looking forward to once again competing at the famous Goodwood circuit after a top four finish in a schools competition.
The team from Ripon Grammar School accelerated up the rankings in the last race of the day at the Greenpower regional championships with their car Carbon Comet.
The result should take them to Goodwood in October, maintaining the school's reputation in the Greenpower challenge, which has seen it qualify for the national finals every year in the 11 years since it first entered.
Design and technology teacher Stephen Mann said whilst the team had not won this year, the fourth place had come against stronger competition racing newer cars.
He said: "We've enjoyed so much success over the years but given the age of our two cars and the quality of the competition I'm satisfied with our finishing positions.
"A number of very competitive teams travelled from the Midlands and Cheshire to enjoy the great facilities at Croft Circuit. The main thing was that our two teams had a great time, several of our young students got their first drive at a racing circuit, the cars ran reliably and there were no accidents."
The Grammar School's second car, Electric Chair, which is used to train younger drivers and engineers, came 27th. The cars are sponsored by Econ Engineering, Ripon Auto Electrics and Ripon Grammar School Parents’ Association.
Student Sam Hart, 17, said: “The key is not to go flat out at the start so you conserve your batteries. We all get involved in doing whatever needs to be done to get the car in the best shape possible.”
The school is one of the few to field teams comprising students from all year groups, from a Year 7 to sixth form, who attend an after-school club.
Tom Carr, 13, who loves motor racing and wants to be a mechanical engineer, said: “I’ve learned a lot about engines but also gear boxes and wheels through being involved with this project. It’s been great to be at the circuit and racing.”
The team was supported by former student Jonathan Owens, 20, who first took part in Greenpower as an 11-year-old and returns to school to help out and share his experience now he doing a mechanic’s apprenticeship with a motor dealer.
Held at Croft Circuit, in North Yorkshire, the regional Greenpower competition, which promotes sustainable engineering to young people, attracted 43 teams from schools across the North of England.
