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Somerset Schools compete in Greenpower Electric Cars Endurance Race
Students from schools across Somerset arrived at the Haynes International Motor Museum on Saturday 5th July 2008 to test their wits, engineering skills and endurance as they battled against each other to take part in the Greenpower electric car race.
The Greenpower challenge is open to students of Secondary school age to design, build and race their own electric cars, powered only by a 24-volt motor and two 12-volt batteries.
Thirteen Schools from across Somerset took part in the event which was one of 9 identical regional heats being held throughout the country.
Whilst everyone wanted to be win the race there were also awards presented for ‘Fastest Lap’, ‘Best Presented Team’, ‘Spirit of Greenpower’, ‘IoM3 Innovative Use Of Recycled Materials’, ‘IMechE Best Engineered Car’ and ‘Scalextric Award for Best Pitstop’.
The Museum’s test track was the ideal venue for the Greenpower national challenge, and in front of family, friends and supporters, students skills in car and engine design were tested to the limits.
After a gruelling four hours, and completing 271 laps of the circuit the chequered flag was finally taken by the Minehead Middle School for the second year running, in their car which they named ‘Grinpower.
Second place was awarded to West Somerset Community College who completed 259 laps with their ‘Blue Peter’ car and 3rd Place went to Whitstone School who completed 239 laps with their car ‘Whitstone Wackys’.
Minehead Middle School will now take part in the grand final which is to be held on Goodwood’s historic race circuit on October 19th, where they will compete against other regional finalists from across the country.
Project coordinator Stuart Reeson, from Minehead Middle School said “We are absolutely delighted to have won, although nothing was certain until the very end as we had battled for first place with 'Blue Peter' all race.
I am very proud of the way my drivers performed in and out of the car and the congratulations should rightfully go to them’.
This year’s local event was made possible due to the support of the Somerset EBP, Honeywell Aerospace, Dorset and Somerset LSC, and the Haynes International Motor Museum.
John Crew, from Somerset EBP described the challenge as being “all about showing students that practical engineering is not only very challenging, but it can be immensely satisfying … and great fun!.
Engineering as a whole is having difficulty attracting young people these days and if events like this can help change that, well that’s a bonus.”
The Greenpower Challenge is an annual event and is supported locally by Somerset Educational Business Partnership who bring together local schools and companies to work together to build and design the cars.
The event is nationally sponsored by The Learning Grid, The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and The Ford Motor Company.
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