A TRIO of awards were scooped by the WMG Academy for Young Engineers race team at a regional F1 in Schools competition final.
F1 in Schools is a challenge where students from over 40 countries compete for the Bernie Ecclestone World Championship trophy.
Successful teams must use CAD computer software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature F1 cars.
Powered by a small CO2 cylinder, the cars can reach speeds of more than 50mph on a 20 metre track.
The regional finals took place at Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick, where Academy Racing were spearheaded by talented 17-year-old Eddie Hodierne – who won awards for best research and development.
Extra work was eventually rewarded as the team booked its spot in the national finals, hosted at the home of British motor racing in Silverstone.
Eddie, who acts as team manager for Academy Racing, said he and his team are hoping to build on the success of the regional finals when competing at Silverstone.
He added: “We started of the day really strongly with a great presentation to the judges, this was followed by giving them a tour of our pit display.
“The racing was even better with our team completing the 20m track in 1.100 seconds – which is a really fast time.”
Not only are there a rigorous set of technical regulations to follow, but students must also demonstrate the wider functions of a real F1 team – including all the aspects of marketing and sponsorship.
With many expenses associated with the competition, the team received invaluable support from 15 Coventry businesses including GRM, Suretrack and both Coventry and Warwick Universities plus more.
Bob Hodge, teacher at WMG Academy, said: “F1 in Schools is one of the academy’s enrichment activities focussed on car design and learning what can be achieved with the facilities in the engineering hall.
“The team have been working really hard on their entry since September last year and their success is thoroughly deserved.”
The national finals will take place on March 29 & 30 at The Silverstone Wing.
